Al-Manar
"28/08/2008 The Russian navy will make more use of Syrian ports as part of increased military presence in the Mediterranean, a Russian diplomat said on Wednesday.
The announcement comes as tensions rise between Moscow and the West over Russia's role in Georgia. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad backed Russia's recent offensive on Georgia in support of a separatist province during a visit to Russia last week.
"Our Navy presence in the Mediterranean will increase," Igor Belyaev, the Russian charge d'affaires, told reporters in the Syrian capital. "Russian vessels will be visiting Syria and other friendly ports more frequently. The visits are continuing."
Internet news sites have reported that a Russian naval unit, including the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, docked at Tartous earlier this month.
Belyaev would not be drawn on specifics, or whether new military agreements with Syria were reached during Assad's meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at a Black Sea resort last Thursday.
"The two leaders gave their directions to advance ties in the economy, trade and energy fields, as well as military cooperation," he said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last week that Russia was prepared to sell Syria more arms, as long as they do not disturb the "regional balance of power."
The Interfax news agency quoted a Russian diplomat as saying that Syria and Russia were working on deals involving Damascus buying anti-aircraft and anti-tank systems.
The Syrian government has denied reports in Russian media that Assad had said he was ready to host advanced Russian Iskander missiles, which would be able to hit Israeli territory. Israel made it clear it opposes sale of such weapons to Syria."
"28/08/2008 The Russian navy will make more use of Syrian ports as part of increased military presence in the Mediterranean, a Russian diplomat said on Wednesday.
The announcement comes as tensions rise between Moscow and the West over Russia's role in Georgia. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad backed Russia's recent offensive on Georgia in support of a separatist province during a visit to Russia last week.
"Our Navy presence in the Mediterranean will increase," Igor Belyaev, the Russian charge d'affaires, told reporters in the Syrian capital. "Russian vessels will be visiting Syria and other friendly ports more frequently. The visits are continuing."
Internet news sites have reported that a Russian naval unit, including the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, docked at Tartous earlier this month.
Belyaev would not be drawn on specifics, or whether new military agreements with Syria were reached during Assad's meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at a Black Sea resort last Thursday.
"The two leaders gave their directions to advance ties in the economy, trade and energy fields, as well as military cooperation," he said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last week that Russia was prepared to sell Syria more arms, as long as they do not disturb the "regional balance of power."
The Interfax news agency quoted a Russian diplomat as saying that Syria and Russia were working on deals involving Damascus buying anti-aircraft and anti-tank systems.
The Syrian government has denied reports in Russian media that Assad had said he was ready to host advanced Russian Iskander missiles, which would be able to hit Israeli territory. Israel made it clear it opposes sale of such weapons to Syria."
No comments:
Post a Comment