Y
Yard Ape
Guest
Reuters News Agency
POSTED AT 10:38 AM EST Monday, March 12 to Globe and Mail Website
Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying on Monday that Moscow would proceed with arms sales to Iran and that Tehran had requested only defensive weapons.
"For economic reasons, Russia is interested in (military) cooperation," Interfax news agency quoted Mr. Putin as saying after talks with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. "Iran has the right to be a state...capable of defending its national interests."
Russia is under strong pressure from the United States to make no arms sales to Iran, which Washington lists among "rogue states." Moscow has refrained from selling arms to Iran under a secret deal with the United States struck in 1995.
Russia last year said it would no longer abide by the deal with the United States, prompting strong criticism from Washington. Mr. Putin said Russia would not trade weapons banned under international law.
"Iran does not want weapons whose sale is not covered by international practices and would violate Russia‘s obligations. Russia is not going to violate its obligations," Mr. Putin said, without specifying what arms had been requested by Iran.
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchange signed documents on the arms deal. Mr. Putin said Monday that Moscow would proceed with arms sales to Iran but supplies would be solely to ensure Tehran‘s defence needs. Photo: Yuri Kadobnov/Reuters
______________________________________
Yard Ape
POSTED AT 10:38 AM EST Monday, March 12 to Globe and Mail Website
Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying on Monday that Moscow would proceed with arms sales to Iran and that Tehran had requested only defensive weapons.
"For economic reasons, Russia is interested in (military) cooperation," Interfax news agency quoted Mr. Putin as saying after talks with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. "Iran has the right to be a state...capable of defending its national interests."
Russia is under strong pressure from the United States to make no arms sales to Iran, which Washington lists among "rogue states." Moscow has refrained from selling arms to Iran under a secret deal with the United States struck in 1995.
Russia last year said it would no longer abide by the deal with the United States, prompting strong criticism from Washington. Mr. Putin said Russia would not trade weapons banned under international law.
"Iran does not want weapons whose sale is not covered by international practices and would violate Russia‘s obligations. Russia is not going to violate its obligations," Mr. Putin said, without specifying what arms had been requested by Iran.
______________________________________
Yard Ape
