Russia doesn't want to bear further financial, reputation outlays over suspension of S-300 contract with Iran - Lavrov
MOSCOW. April 13 (Interfax) - Among the reasons behind the decision to lift the embargo on S-300 systems' deliveries to Iran is Moscow's unwillingness to continue bearing financial and reputation outlays over the suspension of the S-300 contract, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.
"We could not have disregarded the commercial and reputation aspect. As you know, we bear serious financial outlays in connection with the suspension of the contract, and we do not deem such a position necessary any longer," he said.
The Kremlin press service reported earlier on Monday that Putin had signed a decree that gives the go-ahead to S-300 surface-to-air missile system deliveries to Iran. Russia enforced a ban on S-300 shipments to Iran in September 2010 in compliance with a UN Security Council resolution.