Iraq sticks to Russia arms contracts – DM

[mosu]

Iraqi Defence Minister Saadun al-Dulaimi has dismissed reports that his country has cancelled all $4.2bln dollars worth of its arms contracts with Russia, signed in Moscow in October during a visit by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
He said the contracts are on track, if only slightly delayed by a probe into possible corruption in them.

Iraq wants to procure a variety of Russian-made weaponry, including anti-aircraft missile batteries.

Iraq to reconsider arms contracts annulment?

According to the office of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Iraq needs Russian-made weaponry and will consider new contracts to procure it.

Earlier on Saturday, there were reports that Iraq had annulled all $4.2bln worth of its arms contracts with Russia that were signed in Moscow in October during a visit by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Russian officials and analysts said they believed the decision had been made under pressure from the US. They also warned the Iraqis of penalties.

Iraq annuls Russia arms contracts

Iraq has annulled all $4.2bln worth of its arms contracts with Russia, that were signed in Moscow in October during a visit by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Officials in Russia’s defence industry have said they believe it did so under pressure from the United States. They also reminded the Iraqis that they will now have to pay millions of dollars in penalties.

Russia-Iraq arms deal falling through?

There have been conflicting reports about whether Iraq has withdrawn from its agreement with Russia to procure $4.2bln worth of Russian-made arms.

France Presse quotes Iraqi officials as saying it has, while Russian diplomats in Baghdad say it hasn’t.

Leading Russian arms trade analyst Dr Igor Korotchenko has warned the Iraqis that they will have to pay millions of dollars in penalties in the event they cancel the contracts. He also said he believes the Americans are trying to dissuade Iraq from procuring Russian arms.

Voice of Russia, TASS, Interfax, RIA

 

[bdslph]

this is becoming something serious between Iraq and Russia

 

[Sinnerman108]

Guess where those 4.2 Billion dollars are going next .....

 

[mehmeTcc]

It seems there is a big fight for power in Iraq between US and Russia. There are also minor elements like Turkey and Iran, however the real players are the Russians and the Americans.

Anyways, messing with the country who invaded you just 6 years ago is not sane. Maliki must know this.

The new Great Game?

 

[Tshering22]

It seems there is a big fight for power in Iraq between US and Russia. There are also minor elements like Turkey and Iran, however the real players are the Russians and the Americans.

Anyways, messing with the country who invaded you just 6 years ago is not sane. Maliki must know this.

The new Great Game?

You're overestimating the situation.

It isn't as grim as visible.

Russians will still get the contracts because what the Iraqis need in that price is simply not there in US kitty. The same stuff would cost easily much more and is an overkill for what Iraqis need.

What they're looking for is cutting edge anti-aircraft missiles and defensive equipment, which from US is good but very expensive for a war-weary country that has just come out.

The deal for F-16IQs was a way to appease the Americans enough to ensure rest of the weapon systems can be Russian made.

 

[Juice]

Good analysis...even the Americans contracted old eastern block nations when arming Iraqis.

 

[mehmeTcc]

You're overestimating the situation.

It isn't as grim as visible.

Russians will still get the contracts because what the Iraqis need in that price is simply not there in US kitty. The same stuff would cost easily much more and is an overkill for what Iraqis need.

What they're looking for is cutting edge anti-aircraft missiles and defensive equipment, which from US is good but very expensive for a war-weary country that has just come out.

The deal for F-16IQs was a way to appease the Americans enough to ensure rest of the weapon systems can be Russian made.

Well, first they did cancel the contract. After that event, Russians fired their defence minister, head of the CIA resigned respectively. Isn't that bit fishy?
IMO, both sides are punishing the responsible officials.

 

[Surenas]

It seems there is a big fight for power in Iraq between US and Russia. There are also minor elements like Turkey and Iran, however the real players are the Russians and the Americans.

Not. The real player in Iraq is Iran, and not the US or Russia. According to Robert Baer, former CIA-agent, western oil-companies have to get permission of Iran to operate in Iraq. There is no country in the world that have so much influence in Iraq than Iran.