Putin defends weapon sales on his first trip to Israel

JERUSALEM -- Russian President Vladimir Putin faced down Israeli criticism Thursday, saying that Russia's planned sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and supply of nuclear components to Iran does not threaten Israel's security.\nPutin, speaking on the second day of his historic visit to Israel -- the first by a Kremlin leader -- also pledged to tackle the growing problem of anti-Semitism in his country. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon later Thursday.\nThe trip was intended to cement Russia's rapprochement with the Jewish state and boost its profile in the international arena.\nBut the visit was shadowed by disagreements with Israel over Russia's aid to Syria and Iran, two of Israel's staunchest enemies. Russia has provided assistance for Iran's nuclear program and has agreed to sell anti--aircraft missiles to Syria. Sharon has said repeatedly the missiles pose a danger to Israel and wants Putin to halt the deal.\nThe agreement with Iran requires it to return all its spent nuclear fuel to Russia so it cannot be used for military purposes, Putin said. "I agree that these steps are not enough and we have to get Iran to agree to nuclear inspections," he said at a joint news conference in Jerusalem with Katsav.\nHe also sought to allay concerns about the Syrian arms deal, saying the missiles should pose no threat to Israel. \nPutin, whose country has traditionally supported Arab countries in their conflict with Israel, said he had personally vetoed the sale of longer--range missiles to Syria out of concern for Israel's safety.\nPutin began his visit here late Wednesday on a note of controversy, proposing, just before his arrival, that Russia host a Mideast peace conference in the fall, after Israel withdraws from the Gaza Strip. Palestinians warmly embraced the idea, but Israel and the United States brushed it aside.\n"We think there is a chance now to achieve a just Israeli-Palestinian settlement ... much will depend on Israel's willingness and the Palestinians' willingness, first and foremost," Putin said.\nKatsav warmly welcomed Putin's visit, which was seen as a dramatic gesture of support by a country that was once one of Israel's historic enemies.\n"I can say that I view Vladimir Putin as a friend of the state of Israel," he said.\nThe two men also discussed economic cooperation, Russia's role in the region and the fight against anti-Semitism. Putin said he would do everything possible to uproot the phenomenon of anti-Semitism.