''Tariq Aziz should be allowed medical treatment in Russia''

Moscow, Jan 18 (UNI) Russian State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Konstantin Kosachev today asked the government to grant the request of former Iraqi Vice-Prime Minister Tariq Aziz to undergo treatment in Russia.

''Obviously, Russia will give serious consideration to Mr Aziz's request. I think that government agencies should provide assistance,'' Mr Kosachev told Interfax news agency.

It would not be an interference in the investigation of the crimes perpetrated by former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his team, he added. Saddam was recently executed for crime against humanity.

''This is not a political issue. It is unrelated to the assessment of Aziz's activity in the capacity of the de facto head of the government. The issue is purely humanitarian,''he stressed, referring media reports that Mr Aziz, who is suffering from serious diseases, is also deeply depressed by the execution of Saddam and his two close aides.

''If necessary, his lawyers should give Russia guarantees that he will return to his trial,'' Mr Kosachev said.

UNI