Moscow ready to discuss Russian companies' participation in Iraq restoration
Interfax. Friday, Jul. 23, 2004, 6:47 PM Moscow Time
MOSCOW. July 23 (Interfax) - The level of Russian companies' involvement in rebuilding Iraq and its economy will be the topic of discussion between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshyar Zebari, when he visits Moscow on July 24-25, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said.
"Russia is ready to discuss the prerequisites of restoring and developing trade and economic links with Iraq, including the aspect of Russian companies' participation in the restoration of the Iraqi economy, provided, naturally, that the necessary level of security is ensured," Yakovenko said.
In addition, he said Moscow hopes that "prospects of political reforms in Iraq, including the preparation for democratic elections, will be discussed at the negotiations with Zebari."
Yakovenko said that "Russia is interested in Iraq regaining stability, maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity." "This can only be achieved by reaching national agreement and continuing the political process," Yakovenko said. He noted that "resolution 1546 that envisages turning Iraq into a peaceful democratic country is aimed at that.
"Undoubtedly, resolving the Iraq problem would aid the stabilization of the situation in the Persian Gulf zone, the strengthening of peace and security in the Middle East," Yakovenko said.
Yakovenko said that "Moscow has a firm intent to continue making an active contribution to achieve these aims and aid the people of Iraq in the peaceful restoration of their country."
"Possible forms of aiding the interim government in completing these tasks, including an international conference on Iraq will be considered," Yakovenko said.
"We presume that the visit of Iraqi foreign Minister Zebari will give the necessary impulse to international efforts to normalize the situation in Iraq and will be beneficial for the Russian-Iraqi relations on this new stage," Yakovenko said. |
