Russian agencies denied U.S. aid
WASHINGTON - The State Department has declared 20 Russian agencies and research facilities ineligible to receive millions of dollars in U.S. government assistance because they may have provided missile technology to Iran.
The State Department's list, obtained by USA TODAY, was sent in March to managers of U.S. programs that finance commercial ventures for Russian institutions formerly involved in Soviet weapons work.
Since then, U.S. officials have denied funding to at least three Russian projects because they were on the list. Future projects with institutions on the list will be rejected unless the Clinton administration is satisfied they aren't helping Iran.
Despite longstanding concerns about the exodus of weapons technology from Russia to rogue states, the move marks the first time specific institutions have been penalized.
''What we're doing is limiting our cooperation with Russian entities which might have or might be providing assistance to Iran's missile program,'' said Gary Samore, special assistant to the president on non-proliferation and export controls. ''If someone came to us proposing a project involving one of these entities, we might still approve it, depending on the specifics.''
The government spends nearly $50 million a year on ventures for former Soviet institutions that have struggled since the Communist regime's demise.
The idea is to keep their scientists engaged in non-military projects - instead of having them sell their weapons know-how to the highest bidder.
The State Department's list, based on information gathered by U.S. intelligence agencies, includes Russian institutions ranging from universities to government agencies.
The 20 institutions are a small fraction of Russian entities involved in non-proliferation projects funded by two U.S. assistance programs launched in 1994.
The Russian Space Agency - a major U.S. partner in developing an international space station and other costly endeavors - was included on the State Department's list. But department officials said it was included in error.
Among the projects denied U.S. funding since March:
- A proposed project at Baltic State Technical University in St. Petersburg to apply rocket motor technology in the high-temperature destruction of chemical wastes.
- A project involving TsAGI, Russia's Central Aerodynamic Institute, on using aerospace technology to develop high-tech plastic joints for industry.
- A project led by the Moscow Aviation Institute to develop new methods for evaluating the thermal properties of composite materials.
Michael Shurgalin, a spokesman at the Russian Embassy, denied the Russian institutions were helping Iran with missile technology. He said Russia has taken internal steps to curtail illegal trafficking.
The Clinton administration opposes sanctions against Russia, preferring a policy of engagement, including financial assistance programs.
But Israel and some in Congress want Russia punished, saying there is strong evidence that Russia, China and North Korea help Iran's efforts to develop mid-range missiles.
By Peter Eisler, USA TODAY
©COPYRIGHT 1998 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
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