#4
BBC Monitoring
Russia should take part in post-war settlement in Iraq - top senator
Source: Ekho Moskvy news agency, Moscow, in Russian 0620 gmt 20 Mar 03

[No dateline, as received] Russia can and should take part in post-war settlement in Iraq, Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs has told Ekho Moskvy radio.

Post-war settlement in Iraq can only go on under the UN aegis. "Iraq is a member of the UN and any power in Baghdad will be legitimate if it is recognized by the United Nations," Margelov said.

In his view, Russia can play a serious role in preparing a resolution on the settlement in Iraq, as well as in structuring the new Iraqi government. "We know all players on the political and economic field inside Iraq very well," Margelov said.

"Russia will take an active position in promoting its interests. Iraq has always been and will remain our important economic partner in the region," Margelov said.

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