"Archer" Has Clinched the Deal

Vladimir Putin has informed Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Russia's intention to sell Syria the "Strelets" ("Archer") missile complexes. These Russian-made anti-aircraft missile systems do not fall under any international restrictions, are mounted on wheel or caterpillar traction and not designed for portable use.

On Tuesday night Ariel Sharon disclosed the contents of Russian President's letter. "We are worried about the sale of weapons to Syria, especially such sophisticated weapon systems as those that Russia is going to sell Syria. This weapon may get in the hands of terrorist organizations", Israeli premier said.

In his letter V. Putin warrants the Israelis that the anti-aircraft missile complexes would not get in third parties' hands. However, Israel is not satisfied with these warranties. A. Sharon is convinced that the deal should be called off. A source in Israel's power circles had this to say about Russia's decision to sell the missiles to Syria: "It's a wrong deal, made at a wrong time and with a wrong partner".

The Russian-Syrian deal has been prominent in publications of a number of US and Israeli media. However, journalists either unwittingly or intentionally forget to place the right accents and keep on talking about the sale to Syria of the updated portable anti-aircraft missile complexes PZRK "Igla-SA-18" and the more advanced complexes "Iskander-E" in breach of Russia's international obligations.

In this connection the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Russian Ministry of Defense has made public an official statement. At present, the statement says, discussions are underway about the sale to Syria of the "Strelets" short-range anti-aircraft missile complex whose delivery is not restricted by any international agreements. As for the updated PZRK "Igla-SA-18" or operational-tactical complexes "Iskander-E", these deliveries to Syria have not been discussed.

In spite of all these assurances and warranties, Israel is sticking to its guns. It has been reported that Israel, as well as the US, fear that these missiles may turn up in the possession of the "Hizballah" Palestine terrorist organization or in Iraq where they may be used against US troops.

In any case, there would be no major crisis in Russian-Israeli relations, observers think. "What we have is differences, not a crisis", an Israeli official said. The Israelis hope that Washington would intervene and thwart the deal.