Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 02:17:21 GMT
Sender: Activists Mailing List
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From: Rich Winkel <rich@pencil.math.missouri.edu>
Subject: Iraq: Russia says no-fly zones not legitimate
/** mideast.gulf: 104.0 **/
** Topic: Iraq: Russia says no-fly zones not legitimate **
** Written 10:18 AM Oct 13, 1996 by G.LANGE@LINK-GOE.de in
cdp:mideast.gulf **
Russia has stressed that it does not recognize the no-fly zones in the north and south of Iraq.
The Russian Charge d'Affairs in Baghdad told Reuter that his country does not recognize any of the two no-fly zones in the north and south of Iraq. He stressed that Iraq has the right to defend its air space and shoot down any foreign jet that violates it.
There is no need for bringing more troops and jets to the region and
we are trying to calm down both sides
, he explained.
The Russian envoy said that President Clinton is amassing troops in the region as a means to win the elections for a second term next November.
He also said his country does not believe that Iraq poses a threat to its neighbours and that the Iraqi leadership will keep its promises. The Iraqis, he continued, are very cooperative but the US should also show some self-restraint.
He said Russia has financial, economic and strategic interests in the region and believes that Irag has a major role in the Gulf.
He added that Russia respects international legitimacy and that's why it opposes any US attack in Iraq.
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