Larijani: Broad talks need to be held with Russia on S-300 missiles' delivery
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Damascus, July 2, IRNA -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says more extensive talks need to be held with Russia on the S-300 air defense missiles contract.
Larijani made the remark in an interview with the Friday edition of the Damascus-based daily `Al-Watan’ when asked about Iran’s likely reaction to Russia’s continued opposition to delivery of the S-300 missiles under the pretext of the UN Security Council June 9 resolution’s banning the delivery.
He said the contract had already been concluded and has nothing to do with recent UNSC anti-Iran resolution. “So, broad talks should be held with Russians to finalize it because the deal is fully defensive.”
On the China-Russia agreement to Iran sanctions and Tehran’s reaction to the two countries’ stances, he said the agreement is tactical and would not result in drastic changes in Iran’s relations with the two countries.
He had in a press conference in Damascus already said the new UN sanctions do not ban Russia from delivering sophisticated air defense missiles to Iran as agreed under a 2007 contract.
He said the contract for delivery of the S-300 air defense missiles to Iran was concluded before the UN Security Council approved new sanctions last month.
"The contract for Russian S-300 missiles was concluded before last UN Security Council (resolution). It is an old contract, therefore it has nothing to do with the ... (new) resolution. Moreover, it is a defensive weapon," Larijani told reporters on a visit to Damascus.
1420
End News / IRNA / News Code 1207578
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