Primakov Sees Iraq Ready to Meet UN Demands

This political mission is to ensure that Iraq unequivocally meets the demands put forward by the world community," Primakov said. "According to our information, it is ready to do so." Primakov is spearheading efforts to avoid the use of force by the United States and some other countries to make Iraq comply with U.N. demands and allow U.N. arms inspectors free access to suspected arms production sites. He said there could be no talk of abandoning diplomatic efforts before U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan visited Baghdad, adding that Annan was "effectively prevented" from making the trip. He did not elaborate. Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Boris Yeltsin issued a strong warning against the use of force. "It is necessary to use all diplomatic possibilities," Yeltsin said in an annual address to parliament. "The use of force is the last and the most dangerous way."