Russia denies sale of weapons, military equipment to Iraq

Sergei Yastrzhembsky, aide to the Russian President, denied allegations about Russia's sale to Iraq of anti-tank missiles, night vision weaponsights, and radio electronic appliances for intercepting bombs and missiles.

In a live interview on the Ekho Moskvy radio station Monday, the presidential aide assured the audience that Russia had not violated any related international agreements and had not struck any unlawful deals with Iraq. As for weaponsights, such systems are available for over-the-counter sale in the United States and any European country, he noted.

The White House accuses Russia of having supplied weapons and military equipment to Iraq, putting the blame primarily on the Russian arms dealer Aviakonversia. Aviakonversia officials deny the accusation, saying their company has no illicit transactions with Iraq, and has never sold any weaponry to that country.