Russia can sell Syria "modernized" missile systems bypassing US claims

Russia can sell Syria "modernized" missile systems bypassing US claims. According to the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post , Russia can modify them by placing them on mobile platforms and selling Syria after a few months. During the current visit of the Syrian President Bashar al -Assad, agreements will not be signed to Moscow. (Translation on the website inopressa.ru .)

The missiles in question, Sa-18 ("needle") are considered one of the most modern anti-aircraft missiles in the arms market. Israel is especially concerned that this weapon, which is so easy to transport, can fall into the hands of Hizballs or other terrorist groups, and that is why it is so protesting against the Russian-Syrian deal.

The United States also oppose the sale, as they believe that these missiles can be in Iraq and be used against American soldiers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said to the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon last week during a telephone conversation that in the near future such a deal with Syria would not be concluded.

However, one high -ranking diplomatic official told the newspaper that Russia may try to circumvent the objections of Israel and the USA and place missiles on mobile platforms, thereby implicating their transfer to terrorist organizations, as well as transportation across the Iraqi border. Such a new configuration, however, will not soften Israeli objections.

At the beginning of his four -day visit to Moscow, the Syrian president has already denied reports of the transaction.

Earlier, at a press conference in Washington at the beginning of this month, Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Ivanov said that negotiations are being underway on the supply of Earth-E-Earth-E Rocket Complex to Syria, with the help of which Syria will be able to inflict accurate blows to almost any Israeli area, including Dimon, where the Israeli nuclear reactor is located.

Assad later clarified that Syrian-Russian military cooperation has been continuing for decades and has never stopped. He added that all the purchases of the weapon are defensive in nature: Syria needs them to prevent violation of their airspace.

Syria showed an interest in acquiring the Sa-18 after in August 2003 Israel inflicted a warning blow to the Syrian territory with the intention of force the authorities to curb the Hizballah. Israeli officials say that in fact, Syria is interested in acquiring the Sa-18, and not the Iskander-E complex.