Syria to receive first deliveries of Russian arms
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, April 17, 2000
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.
Monday, April 17, 2000
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