Iraq says Baghdad, Moscow intend to fulfil $4 bln arms deal

Iraq says Baghdad, Moscow intend to fulfil $4 bln arms deal: "President Nuri al-Maliki last year announced the cancellation of the deal for military jets, helicopters and missiles from Russia but was then contradicted by the acting defence minister who said the agreement was valid.
Last week the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said the deal had not been cancelled but had not yet entered into force and was waiting to pass through a series of legislative formalities.
"I think that it is a question of the distribution of money," said Zebari. "It is necessary to pay in advance and we have a political crisis. Our budget for 2013 was not yet approved by the parliament.""