Fri, Jan 17, 2003 - Page 1 News List

Russia tries diplomacy to head off war in Iraq

REUTERS , BAGHDAD

Russia opposes unilateral US military action, in part over fears it could hinder its efforts to recover several billion dollars in debt from Baghdad and imperil oil contracts won by its firms.

Iraq recently cancelled a multibillion-dollar oil contract with Russia's Lukoil in an apparent snub to an old ally after Moscow backed a Security Council resolution clearing the way for inspections to resume and demanding that Iraq disarm.

Turkey has invited five Middle Eastern leaders to Ankara next week for a summit.

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