Iraq Denies Plans to Pay Back Debt to Bulgaria
Politics | February 16, 2003, SundayIraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, who is on a visit to Italy, denied reports of Iraq's intention to pay back its debt to Bulgaria, the Bulgarian National Radio reported.
The statement comes after Bulgaria, a current non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, backed the US and UK position on Iraq.
Taking up a question about Iraqi government's plans regarding the debt to Bulgaria, he asked rhetorically: "Did Iraq's debt make Bulgaria's government start bracing for war and supports George Bush and his army in a strike against Iraq? You'd better ask Bulgaria's Prime Minister and President."
For Bulgaria Iraq's debt of USD 1,7 M does not hinge on the position on Iraq, Foreign Minister Solomon Passy commented later in the day the statement of Tariq Aziz.
In the opinion of Minister Passy Bulgaria could get its debt back in case that democracy reigns in Iraq.
Talking to journalists in Rome Tariq Aziz called on all European countries to stay away from US "imperialist" war against Iraq and follow the moderate position of France and Germany.
Aziz warned Turkey against participating in a military operation, describing such a decision as a "big mistake".
He reiterated that Iraq does not possess weapons of mass destruction.
As he arrived in Italy ahead of an audience with the pope Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister said that the Iraqi missiles did not break U.N. rules.
The statement comes after Bulgaria, a current non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, backed the US and UK position on Iraq.
Taking up a question about Iraqi government's plans regarding the debt to Bulgaria, he asked rhetorically: "Did Iraq's debt make Bulgaria's government start bracing for war and supports George Bush and his army in a strike against Iraq? You'd better ask Bulgaria's Prime Minister and President."
For Bulgaria Iraq's debt of USD 1,7 M does not hinge on the position on Iraq, Foreign Minister Solomon Passy commented later in the day the statement of Tariq Aziz.
In the opinion of Minister Passy Bulgaria could get its debt back in case that democracy reigns in Iraq.
Talking to journalists in Rome Tariq Aziz called on all European countries to stay away from US "imperialist" war against Iraq and follow the moderate position of France and Germany.
Aziz warned Turkey against participating in a military operation, describing such a decision as a "big mistake".
He reiterated that Iraq does not possess weapons of mass destruction.
As he arrived in Italy ahead of an audience with the pope Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister said that the Iraqi missiles did not break U.N. rules.
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