Iran Says It Was Willing To Remove Exhibits That Got It Barred From Malaysia Defense Show

mysinchew - Iran was willing to remove weapons exhibits that got it kicked out of an international defense exhibition here but was not given the opportunity to do so, the embassy said Wednesday (30 Apr).

Malaysia told Iran on April 22 to leave the Defense Services Asia show after it displayed missiles, missile systems and other equipment that contravened United Nations resolutions banning Iranian arms exports.

In a statement received Wednesday, the Iranian Embassy said Iran was barred from last week's defense show, billed as one of the largest in Asia, because of "a misunderstanding."

"After objection raised by the exhibition organizer, the Iranian delegation decided to fulfill the Malaysian demands," the statement said. "But regretfully, the decision has been already made and the organizer insisted on the closure of the Iranian stands as the only solution and option to end the case."

The statement said the displays had been "a scale model of the productions" of Iran, only used for presentation.

Malaysian officials could not immediately be reached for comment, but Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said last Thursday (24 Apr) that Malaysia had no other option but to tell Iran to leave because of its exhibits. Najib is also defense minister. more...