| (WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on reports that Russian President Dmitri Medvedev may reconsider sales of Russia’s S-300 missile to Iran. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“Russia’s plan to sell powerful missile technology to Iran despite the Iranian regime’s nuclear agenda is reckless and dangerous, posing a threat to U.S. interests, our ally Israel, and to global peace and security.
“Until and unless Russia stops enabling Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and moves toward stronger sanctions on the Iranian regime, the U.S. must fully implement the provisions of the Iran North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA) and impose penalties on the Russian Federation in light of its assistance to Iran.”
Note: According to reports, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev pledged to reconsider Russia’s planned sales of S-300 missiles to Iran during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.
Background: Russia has been an instrumental partner in the advancement of Iran’s nuclear program, both by providing technological aid to Tehran and stalling efforts by responsible nations to address the Iranian threat. The Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA) provides for penalties against entities which transfer materials to the government of Iran which contribute to the development of Iran’s nuclear program or missile programs.
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