Russia denies knowledge of missile supplies to Syria, Iran

Moscow, Oct 6 (UNI) The Russian arms export monopoly, Rosoboronexport, today said it had no information about the reported Russian surface-to-air missile deliveries to Syria and Iran.

''The company has no knowledge about plans to deliver Russian SAM S-300 missile systems to Syria and Iran,'' a company spokesperson told RIA Novosti news agency.

The reports about the supplies came as Israeli Interim Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was set to discuss bilateral ties with Russia and regional security, including the Russian arms supplies to the West Asia, during a visit to Moscow that started today.

Israel's Defence Ministry has been worried by the reports of Russian plans to supply guided missile systems to Iran, the agency reported quoting the Israeli media.

Olmert was expected to stress at the talks that any such deal would destroy the strategic military balance in the Middle East.

Olmert's two-day visit is taking place despite his resignation amid corruption allegations on September 21. The Israeli politician has also been replaced by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, as the leader of Israel's ruling party.

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