The Head of the State Meets with the Delegation of the Republic of Iraq

BELARUS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

October 3, 2002

On October 2, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko met with the delegation of the Republic of Iraq headed by Deputy Prime Minister Abdel Tawwab Mulla Huwaysh. The Belarus side at the talks was represented by ministers of foreign affairs, of public health, education, by deputy minister of culture.

According to the Head of the State, the Belarusian leadership has never concealed its position regarding Iraq. "We are absolutely convinced that the claims made against the Republic of Iraq are unfounded. At least, they are unproved. Belarus strongly opposes the force pressure on the sovereign independent state," said the President.

Alexander Lukashenko added that Belarus welcomes the decision by President of Iraq to let UN inspectors return to Iraq.

In view of the Head of the State, the two countries have a long-standing and historical relationship. However, it would be a deep misapprehension if anyone tries to describe the Belarusian Iraqi cooperation in this difficult period for Iraq as the friendship aimed against all peace-loving and antiterrorist forces: the contacts between Belarus and Iraq are not in breach of any international legal acts, stated the President.

During the meeting, the Belarusian leader reaffirmed the willingness to develop further the relations with Iraq in humanitarian, economic, financial fields, in education, health care and culture, for the benefit of the two peoples. Besides, these contacts should be directly channeled to the level of specific ministers and manufacturers.

Alexander Lukashenko assured the Iraqi guest that Belarus would render necessary assistance to Iraq to preserve the health of the nation, its children above all else. Officials from the ministries of education, culture and public health are ready to visit Iraq again on first request to render humanitarian aid and support, and to carry out a serious checkup or to perform operations.

Abdel Tawwab Mulla Huwaysh thanked the Belarusian leader for his objective position with respect to Iraq. On instructions from the Iraqi President, he informed in detail the head of the Belarusian State of the situation in the Gulf region and the circumstances which caused the Iraqi conflict.

The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister emphasized special interest of Iraq in wide experience of the Belarusian medical workers, especially surgeons and experts in radiation medicine. He also expressed the intention of the Iraqi side to take part in the construction of a new building of the Belarus National Library. It is expected that Iraq will contribute about half a million US dollars to this construction.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that Belarus would continue urging for lifting the embargo for the contacts of humanitarian character concluded between our republic and Iraq.