Moscow, March 25: Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov warned that the Iraq crisis could lead to the establishment of a new world order, in an article published today in the official daily 'Rossiyskaya Gazeta'.
"It is obvious that not only the fate of Iraq depends of how events unfold, but also the future of international relations for a long time," Ivanov wrote. "The foundation of the future world order is the main issue at stake in this
crisis."
He said that the unity of the us-led anti-terrorist coalition is also threatened by the military intervention in Iraq as OST nations condemn the use of force to achieve the disarmament of the regime of Saddam Hussein.
"It is not by accident that we are now witnessing unprecedented anti-war demonstrations around the world," Ivanov wrote.
He said that UN Resolution 1441, which called on Iraq to disarm or face "serious consequences," did not mandate the automatic use of force.
"The resolution of the Iraqi conflict lies with the Security Council, which is responsible for ensuring peace and security in the world.
Russia, along with fellow Security Council permanent members China and France, led efforts to avoid the war, arguing that Iraq could be disarmed of Weapons of Mass Destruction through increased UN inspections and diplomacy.
Bureau Report
