Putin Warns "Israel" of Aggravating Syria Crisis

Local Editor

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks Tuesday with "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to agencies, the discussions focused on the situation in Syria, amid leaked information that Moscow could soon provide Damascus with a cutting edge missile defense system.

"Israeli" officials asked Russia to stop what they say is an imminent delivery of Russian S-300 air defense systems to Syria. Netanyahu pushed for the meeting, which came hard on his return from a trip to China.

Putin told Netanyahu at the start of their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi that they would have a chance to talk about Syria. Neither leader mentioned the missiles in brief opening remarks.
According to Haaretz "Israeli" daily, military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi joined Netanyahu on his trip and briefed Putin on "Israel's" intel assessment of alleged chemical weapons use. "He also filled the president in on "Israel's" information concerning Syria's transfer of arms to Hizbullah," the daily added.

As Putin acknowledged that the ongoing violence in Syria is detrimental to the entire region, the Russian president said that the only way to resolve the crisis was "the soonest end to armed conflict and the beginning of political settlement," Russia's Interfax news agency reported.

"Only a quick cessation of hostilities and a political settlement can prevent a negative scenario," Putin said. "At this sensitive moment, it's particularly important to avoid any action that could destabilize the situation."
He further warned the Zionist entity of any move that would "aggravate" the situation in Syria.
"Obviously, we spent a lot of time today talking about the regional security issues," he said. "My colleague and I we both understand that any continuation of the armed conflict in Syria will bring about the most damning consequences both for Syria and the entire region. The negative scenario can only be thwarted through an immediate cessation of the armed conflict and a switch to a political settlement. It is of utmost importance to avoid any actions that could further aggravate the situation during this crucial period."

Netanyahu, however, said that the volatile situation in the Middle East requires action to improve security. "The region around us is very unstable and explosive, and therefore I am glad for the opportunity to examine together new ways to stabilize the area and bring security and stability to the area," he said. The prime minister's bottom line was that ""Israel" will do whatever it takes to defend itself."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org