The statement by Dmitriyev on May 14, quoted by the Moscow-based
Itar-Tass news agency, after a two-day visit by Russian President
Dmitry Medvedev to Syria. During his stay, Medvedev said Russia was said to
have discussed military cooperation with Syria, but no agreement was
announced.
In 1987, Syria ordered 20 MiG-29 aircraft from the Soviet Union. Over
the last decade, most of the aircraft were said to have been sidelined by
lack of maintenance and training.
Over the last five years, Syria sought to purchase upgraded MiG-29s. In
September 2009, a senior Russian official said Moscow had signed a contract
to supply the MiG-29SMT and the MiG-31, but the contracts were suspended.
During the visit, Russian officials said the Kremlin was also examining
the feasibility of supplying a nuclear reactor to Syria. Damascus has
refused to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency of a
suspected plutonium plant destroyed by Israel in 2007.
"Cooperation on atomic energy could get a second wind," Medvedev said.
Dmitriyev also said the Kremlin has been discussing arms
sales with Syria's neighbor and ally, Turkey.
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