Russian diplomat criticizes US Greater Middle East initiative

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Glogin called for finding just solutions to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Iraqi issue. Glogin, in an interview published in the Saudi daily newspaper 'Riyadh' Saturday, strongly criticized the American project on the so-called Greater Middle East intitative and the Iraqi issue, pointing out that such plots cannot make a success as they are attempt to impose de facto situations from outside.

The Russian official also called for an international contribution in the rebuilding of Iraq and the transfer of power to the Iraqis, saying the Iraqis should be the party who decide when to hold general elections without foreign intervention.