Sergeyev visits Iran despite U.S. threats

DUBAI, DEC. 28. Ignoring U.S. threats of economic sanctions, Russia has sent its Defence Minister, Mr. Igor Sergeyev, to Iran for bolstering the arms trade.

Mr. Sergeyev arrived in Teheran on Tuesday on the first-ever visit of a Russian Defence Minister to Iran since the 1979 revolution and said Moscow was ready to supply spare-parts for the Soviet-made equipments to Teheran.

He said, ``Military cooperation will not be prejudice of any third country,'' according to Irna.

The comment came against the backdrop of Washington opposing any defence cooperation between Moscow and Teheran. Russia recently announced its decision to withdraw from a 1995 agreement between Moscow and Washington, which restricts the conventional arms sales to Iran.

The U.S. has threatened Russia with economic sanctions if it went ahead with arms sales to Iran. However, no direct measure has so far been taken by Washington, which has had no relations with Iran ever since the Islamic revolution.

Mr. Sergeyev declined to make any direct comment on Washington's threat by merely stating ``Russia will not contravene international agreements''.

He said, ``We are convinced that strengthening military cooperation between Iran and Russia is a good foundation for the region's security and stability.''

The highlight of Mr. Sergeyev's visit was his meeting with the President, Mr. Mohammed Khatami, last evening. The visit was an important landmark.

- UNI

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Section  : International
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