Russia Demands U.S. Lift Sanctions Against Arms Exporter and Aircraft Maker

On Monday, Oct. 16, Russia demanded that the United States lift sanctions against two Russian companies accused of making deals with Iran involving sensitive technology. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin hinted that a U.S. refusal could affect negotiations on UN sanctions resolution against Tehran.

Churkin said the sanctions against state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and top aircraft maker Sukhoi for allegedly violating a U.S. law known as the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000, create a “predicament” for Moscow.

If Russia is asked to vote on a Security Council resolution imposing sanctions on Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment at the same time that Russian companies are subject to U.S. sanctions, it would be voting on a measure “which at least by implication supports sanctions which have already been imposed on us,” he said.

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