Russian initiative to resolve the Iraq issue

Russia in collaboration with France and China is preparing to propose an initiative to submit a draft project to the UN Security Council in the framework of a comprehensive plan to tackle the Iraqi file. The draft project is based on a plan starting with setting up a new commission to replace UNSCOM in order to monitor armament programs in Iraq.

The plan ends with lifting the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq. This is, however, in an initiative which is viewed by UN circles as a retreat from previous stances adopted by Russia in this respect. Observers described this draft plan as practical.