#2 - RW 275
Russia's Putin takes moderate stance over Iraq
September 25, 2003
AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin argued for a strong United Nations role in Iraq on Thursday, though steering clear of demands that the US-led occupation forces set a date for handing over power.

Offering mild and indirect criticism of the US-led war in Iraq, Putin told world leaders at the UN General Assembly that Russia understood the global threat of terrorism but that nations had to act together to ensure a safer world.

"We should counter the present-day threats to civilization only through those collective responses whose legitimacy is not in doubt. We need a systemic vision combining political, and when necessary, military measures. These measures should be coordinated, reasonable and adequate," he said.

Russia, which spearheaded opposition to the unilateral US ousting of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein along with France and Germany, has sought to heal ties with Washington since the divisive conflict.

Observers in Moscow say Russia is negotiating a share for Russian companies of lucrative oil contracts in Iraq, which has the world's second largest reserves.

Putin, who is to hold a summit with US counterpart George W. Bush at the presidential retreat Camp David on Friday and Saturday, made no reference in his speech to a UN resolution on Iraq proposed by Washington.

The United States, which is asking for troops and funds from other countries to share the burden of its occupation of Iraq, is seeking a UN mandate for a multinational peacekeeping force.

Paris, Berlin and Moscow have suggested changes that would provide a timetable for a handover of power to Iraqi authorities, dismissed as "unrealistic" by Washington, and give the United Nations political responsibility in Iraq.

But in a sign of apparent flexibility, the Russian president made only a vague reference to the United Nations and unlike his French and German counterparts this week, did not mention the transfer of power at all.

"Russia's position is consistent and clear: only a direct participation of the United Nations in the reconstruction of Iraq will give its people an opportunity to independently decide their future.

"And only active, practical assistance of the United Nations to its economic and civil transformation will enable Iraq to take a truly new and worthy place in the world community," he added.

The Russian leader stressed the need to safeguard the international role of the United Nations, whose credibility has been battered by the crisis over Iraq, which Washington invaded after failing to win UN backing.

Moscow, as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, sees the world body as a vital instrument for preserving its global influence despite its post-Soviet weakness.

"The main lesson of the 'UN school' is that mankind has no other alternative than to jointly contruct a more secure, fair and prosperous world.

"May I repeat, Russia is convinced that the United Nations should maintain its central role. This is our choice and our strategic position," Putin said.

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