Moscow denies news that Israel succeeded in convincing Russians to ban weapons to Syria
Syria-Russia, Politics, 5/14/1999

The Jordanian daily al-Dustour said that sources at the Russian embassy in Damascus have denied that the Israeli foreign minister's recent visit to Moscow succeeded in convincing the Russian officials on the need to ban sales of advanced weapons to Syria.

In statements to the Jordanian daily, the Russian sources said that Moscow is committed to the cooperation agreements signed between the two countries and that the Russian leadership is interested in developing the Syrian air defense systems, so that Israel could not think it can impose its conditions in the forthcoming peace negotiations on Syria.

The Russian sources strongly opposed the decision taken by the US congress to impose sanctions on Russian companies that work for supplying Syria with weapons. The sources asserted that Washington will not accept that "300 S" missiles threaten its ally, Israel, noting that Moscow will not be subjugated to these pressures.

The sources added the question of the Russian debts on Syria will be the main obstacle before coming deals between the two countries, estimated at US $10 billion, noting the possibility of giving up some 70% of this sum.

The Russian sources said that Moscow can eliminate even this obstacle, due to economic and political reasons.

Previous Stories:
  Syrian defense minister meets with Russian military delegation   (4/30/1999)
  Ivanov and al-Assad's visit to Russia   (4/26/1999)
  Russian FM conveys message to President al-Assad from Yeltsin   (4/26/1999)
  The reasons for President al-Assad's postponed visit to Russia   (4/14/1999)

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