The main question of the joint discussion was Iraq's compliance with United Nations Resolution 1441. Margelov, welcoming the guests, noted that the delegation of the Committee of the National Council on Arab and International Affairs had come to Moscow at a difficult time for Iraq. He stressed that the Russian side would like to receive first-hand answers to its questions, not through intermediaries, since Russia and Iraq are bound by historical partner relations. "We understand that the Republic of Iraq has always been a cornerstone in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East," noted the parliamentarian.

The leader of the Iraqi delegation described in detail the situation in Iraq connected with the work of international experts regarding the implementation of the UN resolution. The representatives of the National Council accused the US leadership of provoking a military operation against Iraq.

In the course of the talks the sides discussed the question of the termination of the contract with the Russian company Lukoil. Mr. Al-Qubaisi said this is not a political but an economic question, rather one of even a technical nature. He stressed that this problem should not impact the development of relations between our countries. In his opinion, Lukoil did not fulfill the terms of the contract, and now any other, including Russian, company can take its place, which, first and foremost, "will work" and fulfill the terms of the deal.

Answering journalists' questions, Margelov noted that Iraq was and remains an important strategic partner of the Russian Federation and that our countries will continue their contacts in the most diverse fields of cooperation.


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© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

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