BERLIN, 22 November 2004 — Russia has agreed to a deal to wipe out up to 80 percent of the debt owed by Iraq to the Paris Club creditor nations, a US official said at the conclusion of a Group of 20 meeting here. “We have just received word that the Russians have agreed to the Iraqi debt deal,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The Paris Club should have an announcement shortly.” Russia had been opposing a deal hammered out by German Finance Minister Hans Eichel and US Treasury Secretary John Snow which was being considered by the Paris Club of 19 creditor nations.