'Iran sanctions won't stop arms deal'
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
LAST UPDATED: 06/10/2010 13:51
Moscow official: "Resolution does not apply to air-defense systems."
Iranian missile carried on flatbed truck Photo: AP
MOSCOW — Russia said Thursday that the new UN
sanctions do not forbid the delivery of S-300 air-defense missiles to
Iran.
Israel and the US have urged Russia not to supply the missile system,
which would substantially increase Iran's defense capability. Russia
agreed to sell the missiles in 2007, but has not yet delivered them.
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The UN Security
Council resolution passed Wednesday bans Iran from developing ballistic
missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, investing in
nuclear-related activities and buying certain types of heavy weapons.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko told journalists
that the UN resolution does not apply to air-defense systems, with the
exception of mobile missiles.
He spoke after the Interfax news agency, citing an unidentified source,
reported that the S-300 contract would be frozen because of the new UN
sanctions.
The Foreign Ministry also has warned that Russia will retaliate if the
new UN sanctions lead to separate sanctions against Russian companies or
individuals.