Former Russian PM on Iraq mission
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Primakov is a long-time friend of Saddam Hussein
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) -- Former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov arrived in Baghdad on an unexpected mission for President Vladimir Putin, a Russian source in Baghdad said on Sunday.
The visit comes amid U.S. and British efforts to secure a new United Nations Security Council resolution expected to pave the way for war on Iraq.
Primakov, a Middle East expert and a long-time friend of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, arrived late on Saturday and was expected to meet senior Iraqi officials before leaving later on Sunday, the source, who asked not to be named.
Russia, with extensive economic interests in Iraq, favours a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis over alleged weapons of mass destruction. Moscow says it sees no need to use force against Iraq and insists on allowing U.N. arms inspectors to continue their search for banned weapons.
The official gave no information on the nature of the mission and no Iraqi officials were immediately available to comment on the report.
Primakov served as Russia's prime minister from 1998-99. He travelled to Baghdad twice in 1990 as part of then-Soviet efforts to avert a U.S. attack to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. His missions failed.
Russian officials and businessmen have been to Baghdad several times over the last few weeks. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov travelled to Iraq in January along with a delegation of Russian energy companies.
Deputies from Russia's State Duma lower house of parliament met Saddam in Baghdad earlier this month.
Washington, which has massed forces in the Gulf for an attack on Iraq, seeks Saddam's removal from power.
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