MEDIA STAKEOUT WITH
SERGEY BORISOVICH IVANOV
RUSSIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE

RUSSIAN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

September 19, 2002

Excerpts

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Q: Mr. Minister. Can we have just a word on Iraq? Why does Russia oppose the new U.N. Resolution on Iraq?

Ivanov: Well, I am not the foreign minister, but I can tell you I think from the very start we said that there should be unconditional receivement of international inspectors in Iraq. And being experienced in that sort of business, both Americans and Russians, I think we can easily establish whether there exists or not weapons of mass destruction technology, some sort of program, preparation of, "cooking" something which shouldn't be done.

Q: You think inspectors can do this?

Ivanov: I believe, yes.

Q: Do you believe the Iraqis --

Ivanov: As about the Resolution, it's none of my business to decide whether we need a Resolution -- We need one or we don't need one. But I think we should send the inspectors there.

Q: Sir, do you trust that the Iraqis will allow unconditional inspections anywhere the inspectors want to go? Do you believe the Iraqis?

Ivanov: Well, I think the inspectors should give that answer. It's not a question of trust or mistrust; it's a question of facts.

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