Russian Foreign Ministry expresses "surprise" at U.S. statement on proliferation

MOSCOW - Russia's Foreign Ministry expressed "surprise" Tuesday over a U.S. accusation that Russia was continuing to provide Iran and other states of concern with technology that could be used to develop and deliver weapons of mass destruction.


U.S. Undersecretary of State John Bolton said Monday that Russia "over the years has pursued policies that have led, and continue to lead in our judgment, to the proliferation" of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. The U.S.-Russian relationship will depend on whether Moscow stopped the proliferation, he said.

In spite of the two countries' increasingly close ties, symbolized by the nuclear arms reduction agreement and declaration of partnership signed last month by Russian President Vladimir Putin ( news - web sites) and U.S. President George Bush, the U.S. government has harshly criticized Russia for allegedly advancing other countries' efforts to develop nuclear weapons.