Medvedev to PM: We have special relations with Israel
Netanyahu meets with Russian president to discuss Iranian threat. At start of meeting, two discuss special relations between their countries. Medvedev: Victory over Nazis is joint victory. Netanyahu says Holocaust denial must be battled
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Monday with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow. The two discussed the Iranian issue, promoting the Middle East peace process, and Russian-Israeli relations.
Medevedev emphasized that Israel is not an ordinary partner for Russia, but a country with whom there are long-term relations. He spoke about the population connecting between the two countries, apparently in reference to Russian Jews.
At the start of the meeting, the Russian president said to Netanyahu that he was glad to meet with the Israeli prime minister to discuss international issues and stability in the Middle East.
Netanyahu with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (Photo: AFP)
The two also spoke about history. Medvedev noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis, and said this is a joint victory for both the Russians and the Israelis. He said that memory of the events in World War II must be preserved in history and that no opportunity must be given to making interpretations of what actually happened. Medvedev remarked that this is important for Russia and Israel, as well as for the rest of the world.
On this note, Netanyahu said that Holocaust deniers must be fought and defeated. He emphasized the Soviet victory in World War II, saying that the heroes and victims of the Russian people are incomprehensible and highly appreciated by Israel.
The Israeli prime minister said that Holocaust denial must be battled just as distorting the results of World War II must be. He took note of the common outlook between Israel and Russia on the subject, as on many others.
Netanyahu is currently in Russia in a bid to convince the Kremlin to support harsh sanctions against Iran.
Before the PM landed, Moscow asserted that there is no prohibition under international sanctions against supplying Iran with advanced S-300 antiaircraft missiles because they are defensive weapons only. Israel has for a long time been trying to thwart the deal from going through.
Olga Gouresky contributed to this report
