The following is an interview by Press TV (Iran) with Russian State Duma Deputy Sergey Markov in Moscow.

Press TV: The Russian president says Moscow is against military action and new sanctions against Iran. Will Russia veto any possible US attempt against Iran at the UN Security Council?

Markov: Yes. First of all, I think it is the general Russian strategy that the United Nations should not impose sanctions against Iran but to give Iran a sense of security and the major threat to the security of Iran is coming from the United States.

The United States warns of sanctions and other forms of pressure and threatens the country. We believe that this threat has not decreased Iran’s willingness to get nuclear power but, on the contrary, has increased its willingness because Iran is afraid of a possible attack against it. This is one reason.

The second reason has come after this war in South Ossetia. We understood that US policies are too provocative and rely too much on force and violence. We think it is a big mistake by the United States. That’s why we don’t support such policies.

Press TV: Let us discuss the recent conflict between Russia and its smaller neighbor Georgia. Russia says the Georgian attack on South Ossetia was like the September 11 attacks on the United States. Does this mean Russia will continue the campaign until Mr. Saakashvili is gone?

Markov: When Russia compares the “eight-eight-eight” attack with 9-11, the comparison is that the aggressor comes and kills thousands of citizens and that is why we get support from our partners. We give support to that state.

The United States gives support not to Russia but to aggressors. This is of major importance. Are you the representative of an Iranian TV or American propaganda when you talk about the relationship between Russia and other countries?

It is not a conflict between Russia and Georgia. It is a conflict between Russia and the United States. The United States, in fact, attacked Russia with Georgian hands. Mikheil Saakashvili, who is a war criminal, was used by crazy radicals from Washington, usually neocons headed by Vice-President Dick Cheney. Please do not follow US propaganda.

Press TV: We follow no propaganda, of course, Mr. Markov. Regarding the economic cooperation between Moscow and the West, will Moscow manage to keep its economic growth on track if it reduces its economic and energy ties with Europe?

Markov: Yes, of course. Russia will totally continue its economic policy, which leads to economic growth and also to the strengthening of relations between Russia and the European Union. But there is some difference in the economic policy which Russia is going to change and that is to spend more money for the development of high technology, including military technology. Russia needs its own aviation industry. Aviation for both the military and civilians