Russia considers Syrian weapons sales following Medvedev-Assad meeting
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Moscow will consider an appeal by Syria's president to sell it new weapons, but did not say which weapons Syria seeks.
Russia's arms trade with Syria has provoked tension with Israel and the United States. Past deals have included the sale of Russia's technologically advanced Strelets system.
The ITAR-Tass news agency quoted Lavrov as saying Russia was prepared to sell Syria weapons that "have a defensive character and that do not in any way interfere with the strategic balance in the region."
Lavrov spoke after a meeting Thursday between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Syrian leader Bashar Assad.