Russian defense minister holds substantive talks in Teheran

NICOSIA — Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev has begun his tour of Iran to determine the defense needs of the Islamic republic in preparation for future arms sales.

Sergeyev arrived in Teheran on Tuesday in the first visit by a Russian defense minister since the Islamic revolution in 1979. Sergeyev's delegation is visiting military installations and weapons factories in an attempt to review Iran's military needs.

The defense minister held a round of talks with his Iranian counterpart, Ali Shamkhani, and plans an additional session within the next 24 hours. Sergeyev said that the two countries have similar views on regional and strategic issues.

"We have estimated the state of security in Central Asia and in the North Caucasus, adjusted our positions on international security issues, evaluated them, compared conclusions as to the development of military cooperation, and have come to see that our positions are very close," Sergeyev was quoted by the official Islamic Republic News Agency as saying. "Bilateral relations for our countries' security on mutually beneficial terms were the main thing to which we devoted attention."

Iranian and Russian officials said Sergeyev began discussion of Moscow's proposals to sell Teheran advanced aircraft, tanks, anti-aircraft systems and other conventional weapons. Industry sources have estimated the deal at between $2-7 billion.

Russian officials said any weapons deal is expected to be signed during the visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami to Moscow early next year.

"There are clear changes taking place in Iran," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a television interview on Monday. "We must take into account our interests. We must help our companies work there."

In Moscow, a leading parliamentarian, Viktor Kolikov, told the official Islamic Republic News Agency that the Sergeyev visit will launch a new chapter in bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.

Kolikov rejected any U.S. objections to Russian defense cooperation with Iran. He said Russian-Iranian cooperation will stop NATO's expansion eastward.

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