Exclusive: Philippines could breach U.S. sanctions if Russia arms deal proceeds
Source: Reuters
JULY 18, 2018 / 6:40 AM / UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO
Manuel Mogato
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines is at risk of breaching sanctions imposed by the United States if it proceeds with the purchase of grenade launchers from a blacklisted Russian firm, a deal that could test its longtime security alliance with Washington.
A senior Philippine general familiar with the deal said Manila had agreed in October last year to a 400 million peso ($7.48 million) purchase of 750 RPG-7B rocket propelled grenade launchers from Russias state-owned Rosoboronexport, but the transfer had yet to be completed.
U.S. sanctions were imposed last year against any country trading with Russias defense and intelligence sectors.
The law is designed to punish Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, its support for Syrias government and alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
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