Russian Experts Criticize Russiaˈs Policy On S-300 Missiles

Moscow, May 1, IRNA – A group of Russian experts in a round table meeting here on Tuesday criticized Russiaˈs policy on refraining from selling S-300 missiles to Iran. Russia former diplomat and expert of international security center affiliated to the World Economy Institute and International Relations of Russian Science Academy Stanislav Ivanov said in the meeting that delivering the system would not create any security problem in the region. He said that Russia should have delivered the defensive arsenal to Iran and added that when Russia signs an agreement it must be implemented. Ivanov continued that Russia by implementing the agreement could show to the world that it respects signed agreements. Military interpreter and analyst of Russian Newspapers Komsomolskaya Pravda Colonel Victor Barents also said that S-300 missile system is a defensive weapon, which could not be included in any imposed sanctions or restrictions against Iran. He said that Russia should have delivered the system to Iran and participated actively in consolidation of Iranˈs defensive ability. The Russian colonel said that if the system had been used in Iranˈs military maneuver, it could have been a good publicity for Russian made advanced weapons. Director General of the Russian Center for Contemporary Iranian Studies Rajab Safarov also said in the round table meeting that Russian refrain from delivering S-300 system was not a right policy. He added that the strategic arsenal has defensive nature and delivering them to Iran was not violation of any resolution. The Russian expert said that Iran and Russia are two friendly and neighboring countries and play an important role in providing regional security and their cooperation will guarantee peace and stability in the region./end