Russian Arms Firm Condemns US Sanctions

Voice of America News, Russia's state arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, has condemned sanctions the United States imposed on the firm and the aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi as an effort to undermine Russia's defense industry. 
 
The company, in a statement, called the U.S. measures an unfriendly act. It insisted the firm's sales to Iran are carried out strictly in accordance with international agreements and are limited exclusively to defensive weapons. 
 
The United States Friday imposed sanctions on firms in Cuba, India, North Korea and Russia for selling military technology to Iran under legislation barring sales of equipment that can be used in missile systems or weapons of mass destruction. 
 
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov also questioned U.S. motives. He insisted that the Russian sales had nothing to do with weapons of mass destruction. 
 
The U.S. measures bar the American government from buying goods or services from the firms or from providing them with assistance. It also bans the sale of any military equipment, services or technology to the companies or their subsidiaries.