(Christian Science Monitor) Fred Weir - After months of sending conflicting signals about whether Russia would fulfill a controversial contract to supply advanced S-300 antiaircraft missiles to Iran, the Kremlin has ordered a halt to all sales of sophisticated Russian weaponry to the Islamic Republic. A decree signed by President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday bans the supply of battle tanks, armored vehicles, large-caliber artillery systems, warplanes, military helicopters, ships, and missiles - including S-300 air defense systems - to Iran as part of measures to bring Russia into compliance with tough sanctions agreed by the UN Security Council in June. Iran has purchased more than $5 billion in Russian weaponry over the past decade, including Tor-M1 short-range antiaircraft missiles, warplanes, submarines, and armored vehicles. The ban on weapons sales has been praised by the U.S. and Israel.
2010-09-24 09:24:10Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive