BY : NOVOSTI



Russia has not supplied Iraq with Mi-17 Hip multi-purpose helicopters, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday dismissing earlier media allegations.

Earlier this week Iraqi daily Al Mada reported that the Iraqi army had commissioned a batch of Russian helicopters, but did not specify the number.

"Considering the ongoing conflict in Iraq, Russia does not have any military and technical cooperation with this country at the moment," Mikhail Kamynin said.

Kamynin said that since Russia had not supplied Iraq with military hardware "it is obvious that they [the helicopters] must have got there via third countries."

He also said Russia views Iraq as a traditional partner in the Middle East adding that "We [Russia] have old ties with this country in different areas of trade and economic cooperation."

The Mi-17 is an improved version of the Mi-8 helicopter, also known as the Mi-8TMB. It is specifically designed for improved capabilities at high altitudes and in hot weather conditions.