Joe Pitts: “right after September 11, Russia stood with us as an ally in the war on terrorism, but recent weeks have shown that…”

“right after September 11, Russia stood with us as an ally in the war on terrorism, but recent weeks have shown that Russia may have another agenda. Russian companies have sold military equipment to Iraq, equipment used to harm American soldiers. Russian officials were told about this in June of 2002, but did nothing. The Russian Government continues to maintain friendly relations with Kim Jong Il of North Korea, a fact that only encourages this regime's dangerous actions. Russia has also been involved in helping Iran develop two nuclear facilities that are part of a nuclear weapons program. This is in addition to building Iran a nuclear reactor and providing them with low-enriched uranium in 1995. Russia is deeply involved in arming terrorist-sponsoring countries. Arming rogue regimes cannot be compatible with being an American ally. We must make it clear that Russia cannot arm America's enemies and call itself an ally. If Russia wants to be an ally, it is time to start acting like one.”