Moscow may negotiate sales of systems similar to S-300 to Iran only if suits withdrawn - Deputy PM Rogozin
VLADIVOSTOK. Aug 30 (Interfax) - Moscow may hold negotiations with Tehran regarding sales of air defense systems similar to the S-300, but this can happen only after Iran withdraws its lawsuits against Russia, says Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.
"Any negotiations are possible if the relevant lawsuits against Russia are suspended," Rogozin told journalists in commenting on reports that Tehran had softened its position on Russia's refusal to sell S-300s to Iran and expressed willingness to discuss the sale of alternative air defense systems similar to the S-300.
Russia's military-technological cooperation with Iran may proceed only within the international list limiting supplies of military products to that country, he said.
"Russia is absolutely adhering to the limits set by international law. In particular, we are acting very strictly in line with the list that limits supplies to different countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have never gone beyond this list, and therefore we are ready to work together with Iran within the framework of normal military-technological cooperation, but it is extremely important that this cooperation should not be burdened by various lawsuits," he said.
Rogozin confirmed that this also implies Tehran's lawsuits against Moscow after Russia's refusal to ship the S-300s to Iran.