Russia,Israel discuss possible Israel-Syria meet: Israel Ambassado

Moscow, Nov 21 (UNI) Russia and Israel have discussed the possibility of holding Israeli-Syrian talks on settlement issues here, Israeli Ambassador to Russia, Anna Azari, today said.

''This was one of the issues discussed at a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni,'' Mr Azari told Interfax news agency.

Mr Saltanov and Mr Livni met in Jerusalem on November 15.

''There is no specific decision as to an Israeli-Syrian meeting in Moscow, because all efforts of the Israeli side are currently aimed at preparing the upcoming meeting on the West Asia in Annapolis on November 27,'' the ambassador said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George W Bush exchanged views on the practical aspects of preparations for an international meeting on the West Asia peace process to take place in Annapolis, Maryland, US during this month's end.

Both the president's have continued discussing issues on the strategic agenda, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz visited Russia to discuss the West Asia settlement, the Iran nuclear file, regional and international security and other issues.

During his three-day visit to Russia, Mr Abdul-Aziz would meet Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, Russian business leaders and Muslim clerics.

The Crown Prince would also discuss fight against extremism and terrorism and bilateral relations.

UNI