Olmert to discuss Iran with Russians

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is planning to visit Moscow to discuss Iran’s nuclear program and other issues with Russian leaders.

Olmert is making the trip at the invitation of the Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev. He will start his two-day trip on October 6, an Israeli source said on Sunday.

Israel’s ties with Russia have been strained in recent months. It fears Russian weapons sold to Syria could reach the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, and is also concerned about a possible sale of advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.

Tel Aviv moreover wants Moscow to take a tougher line in diplomatic efforts to control Tehran’s nuclear program.

Russia nonetheless is upset over Israel’s close ties with Georgia, which have included weapons sales.

MP/RA