REYKJAVIK. Oct 6 (Interfax-AVN) - The U.S.-proposed draft resolution on Iraq does not suit Russia. It will be finalized with the participation of diplomats representing the countries concerned, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has stated.
"The draft resolution does not suit us, primarily because it has no provisions demonstrating the truly peacemaking nature of the UN mission," Ivanov told reporters in Reykjavik on Sunday.
"Besides, the draft does not reflect the resolve of the world community, above all Iraq's neighbors, to help Iraq, on behalf of the UN, to restore the ruined infrastructure, industrial enterprises, energy facilities, communication and water-supply systems - everything without which it is rather difficult to restore peace in Iraq," Ivanov said.
He said in answer to an Interfax question that "only the Iraqi people are capable of ensuring their country's security. No one else can do this for long," the Russian defense minister said.
"Importantly, Iraq must by no means remain in the security vacuum. The situation is not improving in that country, to put it mildly. Security vacuum may lead to a situation reminiscent of the situation in Afghanistan when no one controlled the country a few years ago and it was split into dozens of separate areas controlled by field commanders. Neither Russia, nor any other state can be interested in this," Ivanov said.
He said the work to develop a mandate for the multinational force in Iraq is of great importance. "This document must be transparent and allow many countries, including Iraq's neighbors, to hold out a helping hand to the people of Iraq and make them feel that it is real help, not the wish to attain any private, local goal," he said.
"Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq is not a poor country at all, and is capable of restarting its life on its own," said Ivanov.
"Therefore, the mandate must convince the Iraqi people that no country is trying to fulfil any military tasks or impose its will on them, and that attempts are being made to offer them democratic assistance in rebuilding their economy, launching political reforms, adopting a constitution and holding elections," he said.
"Diplomats will continue their work on the draft resolution on Iraq. I have no doubts about this," the Russian defense minister said.