Russia plays down importance of Saddam capture

[leftward]

15 December 2003 17:04

Russia on Monday played down the importance of the weekend capture of Iraq's Saddam Hussein, with a top diplomat describing the event as "mainly symbolic".

In a stance that contrasts starkly with Western euphoria, Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov made it clear Russia was unhappy about U.S. attempts to deny post-war contracts in Iraq to states that opposed the U.S.-led offensive against Iraq.

"We are talking here about what is mainly a symbolic event," Fedotov said of Saddam's capture, in remarks to Itar-Tass news agency. "The arrest does not significantly change the situation as his regime was overthrown some time ago. We would like to think that Saddam Hussein's arrest will help stabilise the situation in Iraq. But developments will only be determined over time."

Fedotov also said that settlement of Iraqi debt, including an estimated $8 billion to Russia, should be made through the Paris club of creditor nations.

http://www.gateway2russia.com/st/art_181255.php

[roguevalley]

1. I don't think they are far off. I am delighted that the Iraqi people don't

ever have to worry about him coming back but it advances
little else in my opinion but their sense of safety. The
Russians are ticked off gigantically. I doubt that they
will be willing to excuse debt nor send troops after all
this crap.

[Dhalgren]

2. I agree.

Also there is the prospect of a Shi'a uprising now that the threat of Saddam is gone. US was good as long as Saddam was out there somewhere. Now, the Shi'ites will feel that the US should be gone, too.