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Russia close to major arms deals with Iran, Libya
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, August 27, 2001
MOSCOW Ñ Russia is in the final stages of concluding major
weapons agreements with both Iran and Libya.
Russian officials said both countries have drafted an accord for the
sale of weapons to Iran, Middle East Newsline reported. The accord is being examined by the government in
Moscow for final approval.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Mikhail Dmitriev, in remarks reported by the Interfax news agency,
said Moscow had completed weapons agreements with other countries, including
Libya. He said he expects the agreement to be soon signed by both
countries.
The deputy minister said he expects the
accord to be approved by Moscow despite opposition from the United States.
Dmitriev did not detail the weapons that were being offered in the contract.
But he said Iran needs both upgrades of its weaponry as well as defensive
systems.
"Iran is our traditional partner in all domains, including military
technology," Dmitriev said.
Officials said Russia began negotiations with Iran in March during the
visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami to Moscow. This was followed by
a visit by Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani to Russia.
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