Duma blames US over execution of Russians in Iraq

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian lawmakers have blamed Washington over the execution of four Russian diplomats in Iraq, claiming the occupying forces there could have prevented the tragedy.

"The tragedy that occurred recently in Iraq was only possible because of the growing crisis in the country as the occupying powers increasingly lose control of the situation," read a motion unanimously approved by the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament.

"All the responsibility for the situation in Iraq, including the security of its citizens and of foreign workers, lies with the occupying powers. We are convinced that they could have prevented the tragedy," the Russian lawmakers said.

They added that the actions of the occupying forces, far from ensuring the return of order, were contributing to an "escalation of violence" in Iraq.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060628/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestkidnaprussiaus