The Russian Defense Ministry denied the reports by some US media
on Belarus' plan to re-export Russian-built S-300 air defense
systems to Iran, Russian media reported on Monday.
"The information published in certain US media alleging that the
S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems which Russia supplies to
Belarus will be re-exported to Iran in the future does not
correspond to reality," Russian Defense Ministry's information and
public relations department said in a statement published on
Monday.
"The anti-aircraft systems are sent to Belarus within the
framework of the Joint Air Defense Group of the Union State, and,
in accordance with the agreements, cannot be transferred to third
states," the ministry said.
Russia had started sending S-300 aircraft missiles to Belarus,
Air Force Commander-in-Chief Army General Vladimir Mikhailov said
earlier this month.
The S-300 systems, which can hit targets at an altitude of 20 m-
45 km, and simultaneously engage six targets, will be a part of the
Russian-Belarussian joint air defense system deployed in western
regions in June.
(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2006)
