Ignatenko: No, I don't want you to understand the situation in these terms, because we are doing everything in public, and nothing was done, as you said, through private channels, so to say, because all of our actions have been made public. They are known to the United States, to a number of other countries, and primarily to those who are prominent members of the Security Council. But the other thing is to accept them or not to accept them. But as to openness - and it's indeed in this way. Steve, your question, please.

        Q: A question from CNN. I wanted to make sure that in your list of people Mr. Gorbachev had contacted today that President Bush was not among them. And if that is the case, are there any plans for Mr. Gorbachev to talk again with Washington with some sort of last-minute appeal to put off this deadline and the ultimatum?

        Ignatenko: I don't exclude such a possibility.

        Q: Polish Newspaper Express. What was the reaction of Gorbachev to the American ultimatum? And the second question: Will there be an opportunity to-for Hussein to get an asylum in the Soviet Union if he asks for it?

        Ignatenko: The second question is indeed a wonderful one. The first one is simply a good one. Well, I believe that I've given the response a number of times to your first question. Indeed, the proposal made by President Bush has been under very careful study on our side. And following the conversation with George Bush, we learned about that proposal and we understand fully the proposal. So I believe you understand that. Another thing is how to integrate them into that program which could lead our world, today or tomorrow, to a peaceful solution in the Persian Gulf. That is a very important problem. We don't yet have such a possibility of integration. But if you study carefully the two programs, you don't find much difference because the difference is as regards the timing and the - the strict character. But we have to take into account the entire situation in the Persian Gulf.

        Q: (Through interpreter.) ABC question. What is the theoretical basis we are talking about? President Bush has declared an ultimatum in his own name, on behalf of the United States, or of the United Nations? That is my first question. Now, the second question is, will the Soviet Union continue to support the present policies of the United States as regards the conflict in the Persian Gulf?

        Ignatenko: First, of course - well, I forgot about the previous answer. Yes, the - (End of available audio/satellite feed interrupted.)

(USIS, New Delhi)

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