22 Feb 2013 11:37

Delay in enactment of weapons contracts with Russia is due to budget problems - Iraqi foreign minister

MOSCOW. Feb 22 (Interfax) - The weapons contracts between Russia and Iraq have still not taken effect due to Iraq's financial problems, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said.

"I think it's an issue of money distribution. We need to pay in advance. We are having a political crisis now. Our budget for 2013 has not been approved by the parliament," Zebari said in an interview with Interfax.

At the same time, the minister reiterated that "there may be some technical delays, but both parties generally intend to fulfill these agreements."

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