Netanyahu
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Russia denies scientist helping Iran
National Security Council head Nikolai Patrushev denies Sunday Times report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave Russians list of scientists helping Iran build bomb, says has 'no knowledge of information on companies, individuals' assisting Tehran with nuclear program
Conflicting report on prime minister's covert visit to Moscow: A Russian security official denied on Tuesday reports that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu handed Moscow proof that Russian experts were helping Iran build a nuclear bomb.
Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev told local Interfax news agency, "As of yet, I have no knowledge of any secret services or other agencies providing us with information on companies or individuals from among us.
"If they have such information, we will certainly address it. But we have not received anything." Patrushev is the former director of the Russian Federal Security Service.
Earlier this week, the Sunday Times quoted a source close to the Russian defense minister as saying, "We heard that Netanyahu came with a list and factual evidence showing that Russian scientists are helping Iran develop a bomb."
The source added that this is why the trip was kept secret: "The goal was not to embarrass Moscow, but to push it into action."
It was also reported that Israeli sources said the September 7 meeting was short and tense, and that the prime minister gave the Russians the names of scientists helping Iran.
On the day of the meeting, Israeli media reported of Netanyahu's "disappearance". His office initially reported that he was visiting a security facility in Israel, but it was quickly revealed that he had in fact traveled to Russia.
Moscow at first denied the meeting ever took place, but were later forced to come clean. President Dmitry Medvedev said at the time that "the Israelis asked to maintain secrecy, I don't understand why, but it is their prerogative."
