Presidential promises: Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his meeting with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Thursday that Russia is fearful of a nuclear-capable Iran.
"A nuclear Iran frightens
us no less than it frightens you," he said.
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| Putin’s visit to Israel a milestone / By Eytan Bentsur |
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Russia President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to Israel is a major event and a milestone in Israel’s foreign relations.
It is also the culmination of ongoing efforts of Russia’s prominent and very able ambassador, Gennadi Tarasov, to upgrade and enrich Russian – Israeli relations
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Putin promised Sharon Russia would not take any action that would be detrimental to Israel.
"As long as I am president, Russia would not do anything that would harm Israel," he said. "We are strategic allies regarding everything that is terror-related."
Putin said Russia is currently examining whether Iran is capable of producing a nuclear bomb.
"The entire world must focus its intelligence efforts to find proof," he said. "I told the Iranians we oppose their statements regarding the annihilation of Israel."
During the three-hour meeting, Putin also addressed the Russian-Syrian arms deal.
"The missiles would not endanger Israel. Russia is acting in the most responsible manner so the balance of power would not be infringed and so there would be no threat on Israel," he said.
"I have many friends in Israel, and I do not intend to do anything that would hurt my friends."
Sharon, for
his part, thanked Putin for the visit and mentioned its close proximity to the anniversary of the Nazi's defeat, which the Red Army had a central part in.
"You are here among friends, and our relations will even be strengthened," Sharon told Putin, who in return wished Israel a happy Passover. He even exchanged a few words in Russian and Hebrew with Sharon.
Following the meeting Putin, accompanied by President Moshe Katsav, visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.
Emotions run high in Yad Vashem
"I express my deep sorrow for the Holocaust victims. I would like to say that such a tragedy should never repeat itself," he wrote in the museum guest book.
"We thank all those who uphold the Holocaust's memory. We will not permit people to forget the important subject, for the sake of future generations as well."
Putin expressed a keen interest in the exhibits that deal with the fate of the Baltic and Eastern European countries during World War II.
During several instances Putin glanced at certain exhibit photos and muttered "Unbelievable," and "Terrible."
Yad Vashem Board of Trustees Chairman Shevach Weiss told Ynet he had never seen any leader who appeared so moved during a visit to the museum.
"I have accompanied dozens of leaders during tours of Yad Vashem, and I have never seen anyone who was as emotional as Putin," he said.
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