Sergei Ryabkov: "Russia against crippling Iran sanction"

Xinhua/ here

"Russia opposes crippling sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program, the Interfax news agency reported on Friday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

"The term 'crippling sanctions' on Iran is totally unacceptable to us. The sanctions should aim at strengthening the regime of non- proliferation," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Interfax.

"We certainly cannot talk about sanctions that could be interpreted as punishment on the whole country and its people for some actions or inaction," Ryabkov said. "We have always favored the resolution of problems regarding the Iranian nuclear program through dialogue and, if possible, interaction with Iran," he said.

Benjamin Netanyahu, who paid a visit to Russia earlier this week, said "crippling sanctions" must be imposed immediately against Iran's energy sector.

Ryabkov also said Russia would honor a contract to deliver the S-300 air defense systems to Iran and cautioned against politicizing the deal. "There is a contract to supply these systems to Iran and we will fulfil it. The delays are linked to technical problems with adjusting these systems," he said....."