Q: How serious is this crisis for the international community? A: It's serious, no doubt, if the war starts in a situation when it isn't warranted because the real process on the ground in Iraq is progressing. You have only to read statements from leaders of the region to sense what the fallout will be and the very serious consequences [if force is used].Well, maybe Sergei intended his statement re. serious consequences to be said consequences. Everybody knows by now that, to Russia, Germany and France, 'serious consequences' is code for a verbal expression of disagreement and no more.
Btw, need I point out that Russia has been at war with the Chechen rebels for years now with no UN authorization at all?