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Putin talks with Israeli PM on Syrian conflict

Xinhua, September 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

Moscow's position on the Middle East would always remain responsible, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday told visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The prime minister came to Russia to mainly discuss with Putin Russia's growing involvement in Syria as well as other security issues in the Middle East region.

During the meeting, Netanyahu expressed his concern that the regional security situation is becoming more and more complicated, adding that "Syrian army, with Iran's support, is trying to create a second terrorist front against Israel in the Golan Heights."

According to Netanyahu, Israel is taking measures to prevent terrorists from obtaining modern weaponry via Iran and Syria and staging attacks against Israel.

Putin responded that the war-torn Syria in its current situation presents no threat to Israel.

"We all know that the Syrian army and Syria on the whole is in such a state that it can't even think about opening a second front, as it is more concerned about the survival of its own nationhood," an online official transcript quoted Putin as saying.

Both sides agreed that they share common interests of ensuring stability in the Middle East, while Netanyahu praised the mutual respect and openness of the dialogue with Moscow.

Recent evidence showed a growing deployment of Russian forces in Syria, which Israel fears would trickle to Hezbollah and other militant organizations, according to a statement issued last week by the Israeli prime minister's office.

Moscow admitted sending military equipment as well as soldiers and military experts to Syria, which were done with the only aim to help the Syrian army fight against terrorist groups like the Islamic State.

Although Russia denied any plans to become directly involved in hostilities in Middle East, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed Friday that it is possible for Moscow to send troops if Damascus sends such a request.

Tensions have already increased between Israel and Russia earlier this year as Russia announced it would go ahead with a deal to sell S-300 missile defense systems to Iran.

Israel has charged Iran with posing an existential threat to its security. Endi