achilles
03-07-2005, 04:23 AM
Moscow is considering resuming sales of military equipment to the Palestinian Authority, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday, hours before a Palestinian suicide bomber killed at least four people and injured about 50 outside a Tel Aviv night club.
“There have been requests about extra sales of hardware, including armored personnel carriers, to the Palestinians,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by the ITAR-TASS news agency last Friday. “These requests are being considered. I believe this issue will be resolved.”
“The Palestinian leadership has proven its ability to keep the situation under control,” Lavrov said. “It has also proven its ability to coordinate the activities of all Palestinian organizations, including those who hold tough positions toward the Israelis.” He did not indicate what sort of weaponry or equipment Russia was considering.
Lavrov’s comments came a few weeks after Russia’s announcement that it was negotiating the sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. The announcement prompted criticism from Israel, which said it was concerned that the missiles could fall into the hands of Lebanese guerillas or Palestinian militants.
Russia has sought to boost sales of weaponry and military equipment around the world in recent years.
Lavrov made his latest statement hours before a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up at a Tel Aviv night club, killing at least four people and wounding some 50 outside, shattering a de facto truce by militants that boosted hopes for Middle East peace.
The Palestinian Authority vowed to track down those behind the bombing. Israel said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had to crack down on militants instead of just talking to the factions to preserve the ceasefire he agreed on Feb. 8. link (http://mosnews.com/news/2005/02/28/lavpal.shtml)
“There have been requests about extra sales of hardware, including armored personnel carriers, to the Palestinians,” Lavrov was quoted as saying by the ITAR-TASS news agency last Friday. “These requests are being considered. I believe this issue will be resolved.”
“The Palestinian leadership has proven its ability to keep the situation under control,” Lavrov said. “It has also proven its ability to coordinate the activities of all Palestinian organizations, including those who hold tough positions toward the Israelis.” He did not indicate what sort of weaponry or equipment Russia was considering.
Lavrov’s comments came a few weeks after Russia’s announcement that it was negotiating the sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. The announcement prompted criticism from Israel, which said it was concerned that the missiles could fall into the hands of Lebanese guerillas or Palestinian militants.
Russia has sought to boost sales of weaponry and military equipment around the world in recent years.
Lavrov made his latest statement hours before a Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up at a Tel Aviv night club, killing at least four people and wounding some 50 outside, shattering a de facto truce by militants that boosted hopes for Middle East peace.
The Palestinian Authority vowed to track down those behind the bombing. Israel said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had to crack down on militants instead of just talking to the factions to preserve the ceasefire he agreed on Feb. 8. link (http://mosnews.com/news/2005/02/28/lavpal.shtml)