Russian co-operation with Iran does not violate arms control

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov has rejected accusations that Russia has allegedly violated the system of control over weapons of mass destruction in its co-operation with Iran.

Ivanov told journalists on Friday that Russia was co-operating with Iran on a purely commercial basis and that it did not allow any breaches of the non-proliferation system. The minister stressed that all the agreements Russia had with Iran were being implemented and would continue to be implemented, while observing all international norms and systems.

Sergei Ivanov said that claims Moscow was somehow in breach of its obligations were a "myth which, unfortunately, is widespread in the world." According to him, this myth "is encouraged by a few countries and spread by western media." When talking about Russia's construction of a nuclear power station in the Iranian town of Bushehr, Sergei Ivanov reminded journalists that the project was under the control of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The minister said that Russia felt "nothing but indignation" when this project was accused of violating the non-proliferation system.