RUSSIA - July 23 - Deputy FM Calls For Stronger UN Role In Iraq.

Deputy FM Yuri Fedotov says Moscow supports a stronger UN role in Iraq to help the country quickly restore its sovereignty. He says the UN Security Council may need to pass a new resolution outlining a road map for rebuilding Iraq's sovereignty. He says: "Eventually, it would be necessary to approve a new resolution on the issue that would set a time frame. The sooner we achieve progress in restoring Iraq's sovereignty, the better for the Iraqi people and the region". (Fedotov was speaking after Iraq's US-approved Governing Council made its UN debut on July 22). Fedotov welcomed the formation of the Iraqi Governing Council but spoke of the need to move quickly towards the creation of a true Iraqi government. He says: "We consider the establishment of the Governing Council to be a step in the right direction, but... also believe that additional efforts must be taken now so that the restoration of Iraq's sovereignty and the establishment of Iraqi state agencies... is conducted with the active participation of representatives of all layers of Iraqi population". Fedotov also said Moscow was ready to consider sending a UN peacekeeping force to Iraq if the issue comes to discussion at the UN Security Council. He did not comment on how the death of Saddam Hussein's two eldest sons Uday and Qusay, who were killed by US forces on July 22, could influence the situation in Iraq. He said: "It's difficult for me to say how this fact will affect the situation in Iraq, bearing in mind that the regime change had already occurred".