Iranian nuclear issue: Russia opposed to crippling sanctions against Iran
Russia is opposed to crippling sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear program, reported Friday the news agency Interfax, quoting Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Riabkov.
“The term ‘crippling sanctions’ against Iran is totally unacceptable to us. Sanctions should aim to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation, “said Riabkov quoted by Interfax.
“We certainly can not consider sanctions that would be interpreted as punishment against the entire country and its people for certain actions taken or not,” said Riabkov.
The position of Russia on the Iranian nuclear issue remains unchanged, “he stressed. “We have always been favorable to the resolution of problems concerning the Iranian nuclear program through dialogue and, if possible, by interactions with Iran,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, visiting Russia earlier this week, said that “crippling sanctions” should be imposed immediately against the energy sector of Iran.
Mr. Riabkov also confirmed that Russia would honor its contract to supply systems for air defense S-300 to Iran.
Iran has concluded several years ago with Russia an agreement to purchase S-300 systems, but Russia has experienced delays in delivery of these anti-aircraft missiles.
The S-300 is an advanced mobile system capable of moving more than 2 km per second to shoot down aircraft and cruise missiles with a range of up to 150 km.
The United States and Israel have tried to persuade Russia not to sell missile system to Iran because it could thwart attempts to target the nuclear facilities in the country with an airstrike.
Posted: February 21st, 2010 under Breaking News.
Tags: Russia