MOSCOW, January 23. (RIA Novosti, Anna Bobina). RIA Novosti was told by a source from the Russian Foreign Ministry's press service that the question of Iraqi debt forgiveness can be addressed only after the country's political issues have been resolved.
"The debt issue is important. We are willing to review corresponding procedures and discuss possible Iraqi debt relief in the framework of the Paris Club," the press agent said. "On the other hand, it is necessary to observe how and when the Iraqi people will create a legitimate ruling power. This issue cannot be resolved impulsively." According to the source, the questions of Iraqi debt and of Russian interests in the country will be discussed at the coming negotiations between Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on January 26 in Moscow.
