Baghdad criticizes Annan's statements, Iraqi- Russian oil talks

While Baghdad has renewed its demands to lift the embargo imposed on Iraq and criticized statements made by the UN secretary General, the Arab- American committee has called on Washington to pursue a constructive and logic attitude towards Iraq.

On Sunday, al-Qadeseyah paper called for lifting the embargo imposed on Iraq according to article 22 of the UN security council resolutions no 687 and the implementation of item 14 of the same decision provides for making the Middle East a region free from all mass destruction weapons.

The paper called on Kofi Annan to stress that Iraq has implemented its obligations. The paper criticized the similar statements made by Annan and the Richard Boutcher, noting that these states are running in a vicious circle that might return matters to what they had been before to the Zero point of 1991.

The Iraqi daily Babel noted that Iraq will only deal with its rights and will not be frightened by any threat.

On the other hand, a Russian delegation including specialists in oil affairs and businessmen hold talks with the Iraqi officials over the development of co-operation between the two countries.

A Russian diplomatic source said that the delegation which is headed by the chairman of Slav Nevet company, Mikhael Gustarive arrived on Saturday at dawn in Baghdad on board of a Russian plane. The delegation comprises 20 businessmen and specialized in oil affairs.