Putin exports Russian missiles to Syria*

By Fred Weir in Moscow
Last Updated: 3:46pm BST 20/08/2007

President Vladimir Putin is stirring yet more memories of the Cold War
as Russia begins delivery of around 50 anti-aircraft missiles to Syria.

The Syrian regime, an ally of Moscow throughout the Cold War, is also a
key supporter of both Iran and Hizbollah in Lebanon.

It is feared that Syria could pass on some of the Russian-made weapons
to their Middle East allies.

The Pantsyr-S1E anti-aircraft missiles are part of a £450 million
contract signed earlier this year between Syria and the Russian state
arms firm, Rosoboronexport.

Some observers believe that about 10 of the weapons, which are extremely
accurate at short ranges, could be transferred to Iran, which is locked
in confrontation with the West over its nuclear programme.

"There is a widespread understanding that Iran should receive part of
these deliveries," said Ivan Safranchuk, Moscow director of the US-based
World Security Institute.

But Mr Putin's government officially denied any possibility the missiles
could be re-exported by Syria.

Israel has previously accused Moscow of allowing Syria to transfer
Russian anti-tank missiles to Hizbollah - weapons which were then used
against Israeli targets during last summer's war.

Last month, the Moscow liberal daily Kommersant reported that Russia may
sell advanced fighter planes to Syria, including five MiG-31E interceptors.

The Kremlin appears increasingly willing to arm countries opposed to
American "hegemony".

As well as reasserting Russia's status as a great power, it also creates
commercial opportunities.

"There’s a growing feeling in Moscow that Russia should be the arsenal
of the multi-polar world, in order to break down the unipolar world,"
said Mr Safranchuk.

"The idea is that by helping to strengthen the defences of countries
like Syria and Iran, Russia creates conditions where the US has fewer
chances to resort to force."