RUSSIAN SUPPLIES TO IRAQ SINCE 1996 TOTAL $1 BILLION. Over the past five
years, Russia has supplied Iraq with equipment, materials, and spare parts
for industry worth a total of $1 billion, State Duma Energy Committee
Chairman Vladimir Katrenko (Unity) announced on 21 December, according to
Interfax. Katrenko called for "liberalizing" or totally removing" the
international trade sanctions imposed on Iraq "as soon as possible." He
also urged government bodies to intensify efforts to resume regular, direct
flights between Russia and Iraq. JC
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