Syria to receive first deliveries of Russian arms

CAIRO [MENL] -- Syria is expected to receive the first shipment of Russian bombers, tanks and missiles this week from Moscow as part of a $2 billion deal.

The London-based Al Hayat daily, quoting Russian sources, said Syria will receive from Moscow Su-27 bombers, T-90 tanks, S-300 anti-aircraft missile system and Kornet anti-tank missiles. The newspaper confirmed a Russian newspaper report that the deal was worth $500 million and was part of a $2 billion contract.

A senior Israeli official confirmed the deal. Tourism Minister Amnon Shahak, a former military chief of staff, said Russia and Syria signed an arms deal a year ago and is not connected to the suspension of peace efforts between Damascus and Jerusalem.

"We had heard that a contract like this was signed a year ago," Shahak told Israel Radio on Sunday. "An issue like this doesn't take days. It takes a long time. I'm not at all surprised by this and it shouldn't be surprising. Even if the peace process would have continued the arms deal would have taken place."

In April 1999, Syrian President Hafez Assad held talks with Russian leaders for a major arms deal but insisted on a long-term repayment schedule. Russia said it wanted cash.

Syria owes Russia $11 billion in debt, but nonetheless Moscow has decided to allow for new arms sales to Damascus.

The reports of a deal come as a North Korean military delegation is meeting with Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss an expansion of cooperation. The delegation from Pyongyang, headed by North Korean official Kim Yung Jung, met with Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas and Syrian Chief of Staff Gen. Ali Aslan.

Western intelligence sources said North Korea is a major supplier of missiles and components to Syria.