Iraq praises Russia on sanctions

Ivanov: His letter outlined Russia's opposition to sanctions

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq's vice president has praised Russia's rejection of an American-British sanctions proposal before the United Nations.

Taha Yassin Ramadan was quoted by Iraq's news agency as saying "the deceitful proposal that America and its ally Britain are trying to pass in the U.N. Security Council not only targets Iraq, but also other Arab countries and friendly countries that have trade and economic ties with Iraq."

Ramadan expressed his confidence that the proposal will fail.

In a weekend letter to the U.N. Security Council, Russia said if there had to be a vote by July 3 on the U.S.-British proposal, Russia would reject it.

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On Tuesday afternoon, the U.N.'s General Assembly and the Security Council are scheduled to discuss Iraq.

The United States and Britain want to overhaul the sanctions, imposed by the United Nations after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990.

The two countries introduced a resolution that would end restrictions on sending civilian goods to Iraq, but maintain controls on military items.

They want the new resolution wrapped into an extension for an oil-for-food extension. Under that program, Iraq exports crude oil to pay for humanitarian goods. The money is kept in an escrow account at the United Nations.

Iraq wants all sanctions lifted.