Putin Greets Netanyahu in Russia for talks on Syria

Israel’s PM expected to ask Putin not to carry out S-300 air defense systems sale to Assad, fearing the deal would complicate future foreign intervention in ending Syrian war.

By Attila Somfalv

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday at Putin’s residence in Sochi.

(צילום: EPA)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said upon meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin that he was pleased at the opportunity to discuss instability at the Middle East with Russia. The Russian president thanked the prime minister for accepting the invitation to visit Russia.

The two are expected to discuss developments in Syria and the reported deal between Russia and Bashar Assad’s regime.

Recently it was reported that Netanyahu was to ask Putin not to carry out the sale of the S-300 air defense systems to the Syrian president, as Israel is concerned that Russia selling Assad the advanced air defense system could complicate any foreign intervention in the Syrian war.

Russia said on Friday it had no new plans to sell an advanced air defense system to the Assad government but left open the possibility it could deliver the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems under an existing contract.

 

Reuters contributed to this report.

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4380019,00.html