Alexander Yakovenko, the Official Spokesman of Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Answers a Question from the Voice of America Radio Station, the CBS Television Company and the CNN, Interfax, RIA Novosti and ITAR-TASS News Agencies Regarding the Possibility of Russia Granting Asylum to Saddam Hussein

RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

January 9, 2003

Question: There have appeared assertions in various Western media of late about the existing possibility of Russia granting asylum to Saddam Hussein should he voluntarily give up power in Iraq. What can you say in this connection?

Answer: This question was not considered and is not being considered in Moscow. And, strictly speaking, there have been no requests to that effect.