15 December 2003 17:04
Russia plays down importance of Saddam capture
Russia on Monday played down the importance of the weekend capture of Iraq's Saddam Hussein, with a top diplomat describing the event as "mainly symbolic".
In a stance that contrasts starkly with Western euphoria, Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov made it clear Russia was unhappy about U.S. attempts to deny post-war contracts in Iraq to states that opposed the U.S.-led offensive against Iraq.
"We are talking here about what is mainly a symbolic event," Fedotov said of Saddam's capture, in remarks to Itar-Tass news agency. "The arrest does not significantly change the situation as his regime was overthrown some time ago. We would like to think that Saddam Hussein's arrest will help stabilise the situation in Iraq. But developments will only be determined over time."
Fedotov also said that settlement of Iraqi debt, including an estimated $8 billion to Russia, should be made through the Paris club of creditor nations.
Russia joined France and Germany in opposing the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that culminated in Saddam's overthrow and the installation of a U.S.-appointed governing council.
It has since smoothed over ties with Washington, but continues to call for a greater role for the United Nations ahead of a transfer of power back to the Iraqis. Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, in Latin America, was more lukewarm than both France and Germany, which both welcomed news of Saddam's arrest.
"We think the arrest of Saddam Hussein will contribute to the strengthening of security in Iraq and to the process of political regulation in the country with the active participation of the U.N.," Ivanov said on Sunday.
Fedotov told Tass only Iraqis could decide how to examine their past and judge leaders of the former regime. Washington's attempts to restrict access to contracts had clear political overtones, he said. "If coalition participants intend to act independently, they can hardly count on the support and understanding of other countries," he said.
In comments to Interfax news agency, Fedotov said the Paris Club was the sole reasonable means of settling debt issues. "This is a modern, civilised system of settling foreign debt, used everywhere, and Russia favours such a mechanism being applied to Iraq," he was quoted as saying.
U.S. special envoy James Baker will embark on a European mission this week to discuss Iraq debt relief with France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Britain.
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