Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mikhail Kamynin's Answer to Question from ITAR-TASS in Connection with Events in Lebanon

Unofficial translation from Russian

Q: Some mass media outlets, including with references to high-ranking Israeli officials, have reported alleged use by Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon of advanced antitank weapons made in Russia. How could you comment on the "hot news"?

A: In Moscow, those innuendoes cause bewilderment, at least. If there are questions, there are usual diplomatic channels in place to clarify them. We have not received any such inquiries thus far, and no evidence has been provided.

We have stated many times that Russia has strictly observed its international commitments in military technical cooperation, including with Middle Eastern countries. The weapons export control system we have established is among the most reliable ones and it rules out the possibility that weapons may get to a wrong destination. We have also taken into account, in full measure, the conflict nature of the military political situation in the Middle East, which requires well-weighed and considerate approaches to such issues.

August 10, 2006