(Times-UK) Tony Halpin - Russia raised Western hopes that it will support tougher international sanctions against Iran's nuclear program by announcing a delay in delivery of S-300 advanced air defense missiles. The postponement was made public after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Moscow. President Medvedev's spokeswoman said after his talks with Netanyahu that Iran had to convince the international community that its nuclear program was peaceful, adding: "In case these commitments are not fulfilled, no one can rule out the use of sanctions." Russia signed a contract in December 2005 to sell at least five S-300 systems to Iran. Alexander Fomin, deputy head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said: "The delay is due to technical problems."
2010-02-18 08:29:14Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive