MOSCOW, May 8: A US envoy said on Thursday after talks with top Russian officials that there was an “understanding” on the need to rapidly lift sanctions on Iraq, but gave no indication of Russian support for a UN resolution ending the embargo against Baghdad.

“We’re very pleased with the discussions we had. There is an understanding that something needs to be done quickly to lift the sanctions burdening the Iraqi people and to find what the UN role needs to be in Iraq,” US Assistant Secretary of State Kim Holmes told reporters.

“This was not a negotiating session. The main points of the resolution are the need to lift the sanctions quickly, define the role of the UN and how the international community is to contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq,” he added.

Holmes said the draft would be presented “soon” .—AFP