Putin backs U.S.-led Iraqi force
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Putin and Schroeder during informal talks in Italy
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MADDALENA, Italy (Reuters) -- Russia would support a decision to send a U.N.-sponsored international force to Iraq, even under U.S. command, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday during an informal visit to Italy.
"Regarding the possible participation of international forces in Iraq under U.S. command, we don't see anything wrong with this," Putin told a news conference on the island of Maddalena, near the holiday haven of Sardinia.
"It is possible, but it would require a decision from the U.N. Security Council."
Putin did not say whether Moscow would be willing to send its own troops to Iraq as part of such a multinational force.
Earlier Saturday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov told Interfax news agency that it would be premature to speak of a role for Russia in a possible U.N. contingent.
"First of all it is necessary to clarify details and then decide," Fedotov was quoted as saying.
"We are ready to discuss the different variations, formats. We are approaching this constructively and we are (waiting for) new decisions to be taken by the Security Council in order to determine our relationship to this question."
Washington, long opposed to the idea of a U.N.-sponsored multinational force in Iraq, has recently softened its position as it seeks support for its peacekeeping mission there and tries to stabilize the country.
Russia has backed a French call for a new U.N. resolution, saying this would help form a new political leadership in Iraq and the holding of democratic elections, but questions remain over whether Washington would be willing to share control over post-war Iraq.
"We are in constant talks and consultations with our partners in the United States as well as in Europe," Putin said Saturday. "The day before yesterday I spoke with German Chancellor (Gerhard) Schroeder. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, the Italian prime minister and I will discuss it."
Since U.S. President George W. Bush declared major combat over on May 1, U.S. troops in Iraq have faced persistent guerrilla attacks, and the country's huge oil industry has been plagued by sabotage and looting.
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