Fedotov stressed that Russia believes the UN should play the central role in the areas where the organisation can provide practical assistance to the Iraqis, such as the convocation of the national conference, the preparations and holding of elections, and the drafting of the country's constitution.
The Russian diplomat pointed out that the UN Security Council is expected to adopt a resolution to prolong the powers of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Russia supported the adoption of Resolution 1546 on Iraq and is ready to join the international efforts to help the Iraqi people in the rehabilitation of their country.
"Moscow still believes that these processes need a broader political and representative base," said Fedotov. "It was with a view to creating it that Russia advanced the initiative on holding an international conference, to be attended by the basic political forces of Iraq, delegates from neighbouring countries and members of the UN Security Council. We think the idea has not lost significance and its implementation could facilitate the improvement of the situation in Iraq."
"The establishment of full-scale UN presence in Iraq will depend on the situation and on guarantees of security for its staff," said the deputy minister. According to him, the UN Security Council is expected to adopt a resolution soon to prolong UNAMI's powers, but this does not mean that the UN will return to Iraq immediately after that.
"Rather, it will confirm its fundamental decision, made a year ago, to establish such a mission," Fedotov said. He recalled that the UN headquarters in Baghdad was blown up onAugust 19, 2003. Nearly a year later, "we remember Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN Secretary General's special representative, and other staff members who died in that barbarous attack," said the Russian deputy foreign minister.
