US presses Russia on Iran missile deal - Russia hits back at US criticism

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2005%5C12%5C07%5Cstory_7-12-2005_pg4_3


* Says the move will not serve US or regional interests

WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday said Russia’s plans to sell $1 billion in tactical missiles and other arms to Iran would not serve US or regional interests.

Moscow announced the sale of tactical surface-to-air missiles and other hardware on Friday, after Washington urged the world to use its economic and diplomatic leverage to persuade Iran to abandon sensitive nuclear activities.

“I think it’s important to remember and underscore that Iran is a state sponsor of terror, they have engaged in actions that we think are hostile and unhelpful, and that we view this proposed sale in that context,” State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said at a news briefing.

“We certainly don’t feel that this is a sale that would serve the interests of us or the region” and the United States will discuss it further with the Russians, Ereli said.



http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2005-12-07T110356Z_01_KRA739813_RTRUKOC_0_US-ARMS-RUSSIA-IRAN.xml&archived=False

Russia hits back at US criticism of Iran arms deal

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has every right to sell arms to Iran, its defense minister said on Wednesday, responding to mounting criticism of a $1 billion deal announced last week.

The United States, calling Iran a "state sponsor of terror", said selling weapons to the Islamic Republic did not help the Middle East.

"This deal, this contract is absolutely legitimate. Like it or not, it's our affair. There are plenty of things we don't like either," Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said in comments shown on NTV television.

Moscow, already at odds with the West over its nuclear ties with Tehran, has stressed the deal concerns defensive weapons.

years ago.

NeoCon Republican "Col." Oliver North made sure the Iranians got their hands on our Hawk Anti-aircraft missiles. If Bush invades Iran, our pilots will face sophisticated US weapons thanks to "super-phony patriot"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_North

Oliver North -- another Republican felon and traitor.

The NeoCon culture of corruption is vast beyond reckoning. But this, too, shall pass.