Published: 8/21/1998

Russia's state organisation in charge of space exploration, Glavkosmos, has dismissed allegations that it has been engaged in transferring dual technologies to Iran. Glavkosmos "has no part in any activity connected with the transfer of dual products and technologies to Iran," Gennady Khromov, a representative from Glavkosmos, said. "We are confident in what we are doing," he stressed. "Glavkosmos is accurately observing the rules of non-proliferation of missile technologies." Khromov admitted that Glavkosmos has contracts with Iran, although these pertain to the "deliveries of industrial and science-related equipment that fall under no limitations." In his words, he could not rule out possible contacts between individual Russian citizens with Iranian companies. "Glavkosmos works only on its contracts and cannot be held responsible for illegal actions of individual citizens," Khromov stressed. Meanwhile, the United States has announced its intention to impose sanctions against nine Russian companies suspected of transferring dual products and technologies to Iran. As far back as 15 July, a Russian governmental commission on exports control ruled to probe into violations of the export regime for dual products and services. Among the companies, suspected of violating this regime, are the INOR science and production centre, the Grafit, Polyus and Tikhomirov research institutes, Glavkosmos, the MOSO and Europalace-2000 companies, and the Baltic State Technological University. The commission decided to stage a "special investigation with a subsequent administrative, and in some cases court punishment for those responsible for illegal export operations." (SP898.5) (VZ)  

Article ID: 268