Russia voices concern over Iran's tests of launch vehicle

Moscow, Feb 6 (UNI) Russia today voiced serious concern over Iran's tests of Kavosghar-1 (Explorer-1) rocket, which was launched into space on February 4.

''Any movements in the area of creating such potential arms, of course make others concerned, and moreover make one suspect that Iran could possibly create nuclear weapons,'' Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said.

''Long-range missiles are one of the components of a nuclear weapons system,'' Russian Deputy Premier Losyukov told Interfax news agency.

''Therefore Monday's test launch of Iran's Explorer-1 space rocket was of course, a cause for concern,'' he stressed.

Iran said the rocket which was test-fired would be used to launch research satellites.

UNI XC SZ ND1846