Israeli news report Syrian-Russain weapon deal

Israeli intelligence sources have reported that Russia is seeking to conclude weapon deals with Syria.

Israeli T.V. said Russia offered Syria selling her five modern reconnaissance planes. These planes are part of a one billion dollar- weapon deal. This deal has been discussed since Syrian Defence Minister 1st Lt.Gen. Mustafa Tlass visited Moscow recently.

An Israeli Internet site reported that a telephone call was held last Tuesday between Israeli Prime Minister Areal Sharon and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sharon informed Putin that Russia is about to sell Syria weapons worth one billion dollars and that it will send Russian military experts to Syria. Sharon also told Putin that Israel knows that Russia is ready to accept Syrian military officers in Russian military academies.

The Israeli Internet site also said Sharon warned President Putin that this is considered as a Russian participation in the coming war.

This Israeli stand was adopted despite Russia's cooperation with Israel in launching Israeli satellites.

The Israeli Internet site pointed out that the Syrian-Russian weapon deal was the reason of a sudden visit made by Israeli Housing Minister Natan Sharanski to the United States two weeks ago. Sharanski asked the US to intervene to prevent such deal.