Ivanov is serving in an interim capacity after President Vladimir Putin sacked his government on Tuesday, ahead of presidential elections in March.
Ivanov’s remarks were officially published by the Russian foreign ministry on Thursday, after they were broadcast by Dubai-based Al Arabi a TV on February 20.
“Unfortunately, what happened in Iraq could have been predicted. We warned that the war will lead to what is happening in Iraq,” Ivanov said. “But now it is important not to focus on what happened – which could have been averted – but unifying our forces in helping the Iraqi people and restoring stability and security.”
Moscow has written off some of the $8 billion in Soviet-era debt owed by Iraq, under US pressure.AFP
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