Posted on 11/25/2006 1:38:58 PM PST by GarySpFc
JAKARTA, November 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport on Saturday again dismissed as false the media reports that it had begun delivering Tor M1 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.
Russia undertook to supply 29 Tor M1 missiles to Iran under a $700 million contract signed at the end of last year. The United States protested the deal, which it feared could bolster the military capabilities of the Islamic Republic, classified by Washington as a "rogue state" and part of "the axis of evil."
Russia has been maintaining that the contract for the supply of Tor M1 missiles to Iran was concluded in line with international law and that the system was intended for defense only.
Nikolai Dimidyuk, who leads Rosoboronexport's delegation to the current IndoDefense international arms show in the Indonesian capital, said: "I can affirm with 100% certainty that nothing of the kind has happened."
"While hunting for news, [reporters] should not forget about reality and the truth," he said, adding that the Tor M1 is a "purely defensive, low-range weapon."
On Friday, a Rosoboronexport Tehran-based official also denied Tor M1 deliveries were underway.
"We cannot confirm reports on the start of Tor M1 air defense missile deliveries to Iran," he told RIA Novosti.
In July, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Rosoboronexport and Russian warplane maker Sukhoi for exporting arms and hardware to Iran, saying such exports violate the U.S. Nonproliferation Act of 2000. The sanctions on Sukhoi were formally lifted earlier this week as U.S. negotiators wrapped up talks on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization.
The UN Security Council is considering international sanctions against Iran for its refusal to halt uranium enrichment, an activity that may potentially lead to the development of a nuclear bomb. Sanctions proposed by the EU involve a ban on the supply of nuclear material and technology, as well as missiles.
Moscow, which, along with defense contracts, cooperates with Tehran on a nuclear power plant project, has repeatedly spoken against any punitive measures against Iran, insisting that the country has the right to self-defense and to a civilian nuclear program.
The Tor M1, developed by Russian company Almaz Antei, is a high-precision weapon for hitting aircraft, manned or unmanned, and cruise missiles flying at an altitude of up to 10 kilometers (6 miles). It was introduced at last year's Russian aerospace show MAKS.
Stop running defense for the barbarians in power in russia. Its both sad,laughable,and clearly transparent.
Mark, I cannot stand conspiracy theorists. Your hatred for Russia, not communism, is apparent.
I dont hate russians. I hate their government,its policies,and it military leaders.They are a threat to the free civilized world,and if you support them you are an enemy just like them.Actions speak louder than words. Look at their actions and who they support. China/Iran/NK/Venezuela/Hamas/Hezbollah/Syria/etc...
Sorry excuses and smoke and mirrors dont fly anymore.
One of my best friends was a russian american in the air force academy. Dont tell me who I like and dont like.
The spin here is that a Russian arms exporter is selling missiles to Iran. Of course it is the Russian government who is exporting whatever arms are being sold.
Before Iran nukes Israel the U.S. should zap Iran with all of the air and naval power available.
For Iran to claim it needs nuclear energy while it sits on a large percentage of the world's oil reserves is silly.
Iran is using its oil wealth to buy weapons of mass destructions. The West should ruthlessly stamp out any country that supplies Iran with nuclear capability. The longer we wait the costlier it will be.
The posted 'news' contained in this thread is 100% pro-Putin propaganda. It must be double time on weekends since this disinformation screams of neo-Sovietism.
And, why should I believe Russian state news agencies???
Why believe anyone?
I call the putin government disgusting.You are as bad as some people that use the race card when they cant argue a valid point. I will say again,actions speak louder than words.
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