Russia criticises Tehran Holocaust conference

MOSCOW, Dec 13 (Reuters) Russia today joined international criticism of a conference in Tehran questioning the Holocaust saying the truth about the tragedy should not be distorted.

The two-day conference questioned whether Geromany used gas chambers to kill 6 million Jews during World War Two. The United States has denounced the government-sponsored conference which ended yesterday as an ''affront to civilisation''.

''Moscow opposes any distortion of historical events, hiding the truth about monstrous Nazi crimes, revising the outcome of mankind's difficult struggle against Nazism,'' the Russian Foreign ministry said in a statement.

''Russia shares the commitment, expressed by the UN General Assembly, not to allow a denial of the Holocaust,'' it added.

''That is what decides our attitude to the Tehran conference.'' Russia, which is building up its economic, political and military ties with Tehran, had earlier condemned statements by Iranian leaders, who questioned the Holocaust and sought to destroy Israel.

Russia is part of international efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The West suspects Iran's military nuclear programme is already under way, but Tehran denies this.

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