RUSSIA: VLADIMIR ZHIRINOVSKY IRAQ ANNOUNCEMENT

(4 Feb 2000) Russian/Nat

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of the Russian ultra-nationalist Liberal-Democratic Party has announced that Saddam Hussein is ready to provide a port in the Persian Gulf for Russian warships.

However, there's been no immediate comment from Iraq.

Vladimir Zhirinovsky speaking in Moscow on Friday, said an agreement was reached during his most recent visit to Iraq in December last year.

Zhirinovsky told APTN that now was the right time to make the deal.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"The President of Iraq is ready to offer his ports, in particular Basra, to assist in every way. So, bearing in mind the tension in the Persian Gulf caused by the illegal arrest and detention of our vessel, I think that our military leadership can consider deploying naval vessels to the Persian Gulf. The Americans are being impudent and need to put in their place."
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Duma Deputy Speaker

Zhirinovsky, who is known for his often extreme political statements, made his remarks after Russia announced plans to send a reconnaissance ship from the Black Sea Fleet to the Mediterranean as tensions rose over the detention of a Russian oil tanker by the U-S navy.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It is mutual wishes to have this position and to send our military fleet to the Persian Gulf and the port of Basra. The President of Iraq says 'yes'."
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Duma Deputy Speaker

Vladimir Zhirinovsky was elected in January to the post of deputy speaker of the Russian parliament.

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