DATE=02/17/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSS/IRAQ REACT (L)

NUMBER=2-272705

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Russia has strongly criticized the United States and Great Britain for the bombing raids against Iraq. Comments by officials in Moscow come amid other strains between Russia and Washington over strategic and military issues. Bill Gasperini has more from Moscow.

TEXT: Officials and leaders from across Russia's political spectrum denounced the bombing raids as an unauthorized use of force by both the United States and Britain.

The deputy head of the Kremlin administration, Sergei Prikhodko, says Russia strongly opposes any military action undertaken by the United States if that action is not authorized by the United Nations.

The Foreign Ministry went even further, saying the raids contradict the U-N Charter and international law.

A ministry statement said the bombing "proves the U-S and Britain continue to rely on acts of force against Iraq."

Even opposition politician Grigory Yavlinsky called the raids "very aggressive".

U-S and British officials say the raids were necessary to protect the crews of jets which have been enforcing no-fly zones since the end of the Gulf War ten years ago.

Periodic bombing raids have taken place over the years against various targets in Iraq.

Russia has long criticized the no-fly policy, which was never expressly authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

Moscow also says it is time to lift the sanctions against Baghdad.

On several occasions, Russia has even circumvented the sanctions by sending several planeloads of humanitarian aid to Iraq.

At the same time, the Kremlin has tried to get Baghdad to resume dialogue with the U-N about letting teams of weapons inspectors back into the country.

Russian officials say the U-S and British bombing raids came just as new attempts were under way to restart talks between Iraq and the U-N. (signed)

NEB/BG/DW/TDW