Russia seeks to "ease tension" between Iraq and UN inspectors

Excerpt from report in English by Russian news agency Interfax

Moscow, 13th January: Russia is maintaining close contacts with Iraq and partners in the UN Security Council in order to ease tensions in relations between Baghdad and the inspectors of the UN special commission for the elimination of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Valeriy Nesterushkin told Interfax Tuesday.

According to reports from New York, earlier Iraq had informed the UN Secretariat of its decision to suspend the work of the UN inspectors beginning 13th January, until the group's personnel is "balanced."

Currently, the group comprises nine Americans, five Britons, one Russian and one Australian.

As previously, the main task is to prevent "a short circuit" in relations between Iraq and the United Nations and a slide back to a situation reminiscent of last year's crisis, Nesterushkin said.

A great deal will depend on chairman of the UN special commission Richard Butler's trip to Baghdad on 19th-21st January, he said...

Source: Interfax news agency, Moscow, in English 0952 gmt 13 Jan 98

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