Russia's Shift in Policy Toward Iraq Amid Criticism over Chechnya Invasion

Strategic Insights -

Diplomats at the United Nations have reportedly detected a change in Russia's approach to Iraq, with Moscow becoming more flexible in its stance in an attempt to deflect Western criticism of its invasion of Chechnya. This shift was initially suggested by Russian Foreign Minister Ivan Ivanov to US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the OSCE meeting in Istanbul, where Ivanov hinted that Russia would be more open to compromise on UN policy toward Iraq if the US guaranteed that Chechnya would not become a point of contention at the UN Security Council. However, Ivanov later denied any linkage, stating that Russia's interests cannot be bargained. The UN Security Council is currently debating a resolution to lift sanctions on Iraq, with Russia pushing for the establishment of a weapons inspection commission to be sufficient for sanctions relief, while the Anglo-Dutch draft resolution links the lifting of sanctions to Iraq's compliance with disarmament requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Russia's envoy to the UN rejected reports of increased flexibility in its policy toward Iraq, but other officials suggest that Moscow has shown a willingness to compromise.
  • The proposed linkage between Iraq and Chechnya was reportedly suggested by Russian Foreign Minister Ivan Ivanov during a meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the OSCE meeting in Istanbul.
  • The UN Security Council is currently debating a resolution to lift sanctions on Iraq, with Russia pushing for the establishment of a weapons inspection commission to be sufficient for sanctions relief.
  • The Anglo-Dutch draft resolution, on the other hand, links the lifting of sanctions to Iraq's compliance with disarmament requirements.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Ivan Ivanov denied any linkage between the resolution and the situation in Chechnya.

Statistics:

  • The OSCE meeting in Istanbul took place in [no specific date mentioned].
  • The UN Security Council is currently debating the resolution at issue.
  • Russia's envoy to the UN rejects reports of increased flexibility in its policy toward Iraq.

Sources:

  • Reuters, 19 November
  • Interfax, 19 November
  • David Nissman, RFE/RL, 1999 (Reprinted with permission)