Russian commercial pilots flying for Iranian...

"Upon an order from the president [Mahmoud Ahmadinejad], the Road and Transport Ministry has given a two-month period, after which all Russian pilots will have to leave the country," Behbahani said.

He said Iran has many professional and specialist pilots, and there was "no need to bring in pilots from abroad."

Behbahani did not say, however, how many Russians were working for Iranian airlines.

Iran has suffered a number of air crashes in recent years, many involving Russian-made aircraft.

A Russian-made Tu-154 airliner piloted by a Russian caught fire as it landed in northeastern Iran in late January, leaving more than 40 people injured. It was owned by Iran"s Taban Airlines

In 2009, a Tu-154 plane of Iran"s Capsian Airlines crashed in northern Iran en route from Tehran to Yerevan, killing all 153 passengers and 15 crew on board.

The move may also be seen as an indication of Tehran"s growing frustration at Moscow"s support for new sanctions

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