Russia bristles at CIA report

Associated Press

MOSCOW — Russia angrily denounced a CIA report that questions the Kremlin’s willingness and ability to prevent the spread of dangerous technology, a sign of renewed tension following a sharp improvement in relations in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The Foreign Ministry, in a harshly worded statement, on Thursday demanded an official explanation from Washington, D.C. The unclassified CIA report on weapons of mass destruction has caused "not only extreme surprise but also serious concern" in Russia, it said.

"This is the first time in recent years that an official American document makes an attempt to question the devotion, willingness and ability of the Russian government to prevent the leakage of sensitive products and technology abroad," the Foreign Ministry said. "Russia strictly meets its international obligations to control the export of sensitive trade and technology."

CIA director George Tenet told Congress on Wednesday that Russia is one of the leading suppliers of nuclear technology and missiles to countries hostile to the United States and remains "the first choice of nations seeking nuclear technology and training."

The CIA report to Congress, which covers the first half of 2001 but was released last week, said the Russian government’s "commitment, willingness, and ability to curb proliferation-related transfers remain uncertain."

"Despite improvements in Russia’s economy, the state-run defense, biotechnology and nuclear industries remain strapped for funds, even as Moscow looks to them for badly needed foreign exchange through exports," it said. "We remain very concerned about the proliferation implications of such sales in several areas."

President Vladimir Putin has lent strong support for the U.S.-led campaign in Afghanistan, saying Russia long ago recognized the worldwide threat of terrorism. But President Bush’s denunciation of Iraq, Iran and North Korea as part of an "axis of evil" that must stop pursuing weapons of mass destruction or face consequences presented a challenge to Russia, which has friendly ties with all three.

Russia is engaged in a $800 million deal to build a nuclear power plant in Iran, assistance the CIA report said "enhances Iran’s ability to support a nuclear weapons development effort."

Russia is eager for the removal of U.N. sanctions against Iraq, which have stalled oil projects and the repayment of billions in Iraqi debt to Moscow.

Thursday’s harsh words follow recent bickering over renewed U.S. criticism of Russian actions in the breakaway republic of Chechnya. Russia says its war in Chechnya is a battle against international terrorism, and has accused the international community of applying double standards.

Despite disagreements, Putin has continued to pursue closer ties with the United States, and relations are warmer than in years. Both countries say they hope to reach agreement on cuts in long-range nuclear weapons stockpiles in time for a planned summit in Russia in May.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States expects the cuts to be legally binding — as the Kremlin, with its cash-strapped military, has repeatedly stressed it would prefer over an informal deal Bush had said he wanted.