Czech Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla said after talks with visiting Russian State Duma Speaker Gennadii Seleznev on 17 March that relations between Prague and Moscow have improved significantly over the last three years, CTK and ITAR-TASS reported. Spidla said the talks, which focused on bilateral relations and the Iraq situation, were conducted in a "frank and constructive atmosphere," according to ITAR-TASS. Seleznev also met with other senior Czech officials, including Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda and Senate President Petr Pithart. Pithart said Seleznev was highly critical of the U.S. position on Iraq, adding that he informed Seleznev of the conditions for the deployment of Czech troops in the Persian Gulf. ITAR-TASS cited Seleznev as saying military action against Iraq would be "a conspicuous act of aggression, and the aggressor may end up facing The Hague [war crimes] tribunal." MS


a Russian foreign minister had the gall to go to Prague, of all places, and talk about "conspicuous acts of agression?????"

Q Thank you, Mr. President. As you said, the Security Council faces a vote next week on a resolution implicitly authorizing an attack on Iraq. Will you call for a vote on that resolution, even if you aren't sure you have the vote?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, I don't think -- it basically says that he's in defiance of 1441. That's what the resolution says. And it's hard to believe anybody is saying he isn't in defiance of 1441, because 1441 said he must disarm. And, yes, we'll call for a vote.

Q No matter what?

THE PRESIDENT: No matter what the whip count is, we're calling for the vote. We want to see people stand up and say what their opinion is about Saddam Hussein and the utility of the United Nations Security Council. And so, you bet. It's time for people to show their cards, to let the world know where they stand when it comes to Saddam.

liar