Putin puts brave face on Russian aid to Syria, Iran

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin faced down Israeli criticism yesterday, saying Russia's planned sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and supply of nuclear components to Iran does not threaten Israel's security.

Mr Putin spoke on the second day of his historic visit to Israel - the first trip here by a Kremlin leader - before going into a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Addressing Israeli fears that he's affecting the region's balance of power, Putin urged Iran to do more to show the world that it's not trying to build a nuclear weapon. He also pledged to tackle the growing problem of anti-Semitism in his country, saying "there can be no place for xenophobia, anti-Semitism or other forms of racial or religious intolerance" in the 21st century.

Putin was greeted yesterday morning by the pomp of an official welcoming ceremony, complete with a military honour guard and Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious leaders.

Sharon, whose parents were born in Russia, greeted Putin in Russian and told the visitor he should "feel among brothers," Israel Radio said.

The trip was intended to cement Russia's rapprochement with the Jewish state and boost its profile in the international arena.

However, it was overshadowed by disagreements with Israel over Russia's aid deal with Syria and Iran, two of Israel's staunchest enemies.

Russia has provided assistance for Iran's nuclear programme and has agreed to sell anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. Sharon repeatedly has said the missiles pose a danger to Israel and wants Putin to halt the deal.

Israeli vice-premier Ehud Olmert yesterday said Russia is selling Iran components that can be used to make non-conventional weapons, and that Russia's assistance to Iran is a cause of concern. Israel accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, though Tehran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said in the Hague, Netherlands, that his country will resume its uranium enrichment programme - temporarily suspended in November - if talks with European nations this week fail.

The United States announced on Wednesday it had authorised the sale of as many as 100 large bunker-buster bombs to Israel, which experts saw as a warning to Iran about its nuclear ambitions.