Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon leaves on Monday for Moscow, where he will ask President Vladimir Putin to halt the flow of technological data to Iran, and to join Israel and the United States in a united front against “terrorism,” reported Haaretz newspaper.
Sharon's visit, which will also include meetings with the heads of the Russian Jewish community, will focus on five issues, said the paper.
The development and maintaining of Israel's special relationship with Russia will be the first issue, said the paper, adding that the Palestinian Intifada would also be among the topics discussed.
Sharon will ask Putin to join a united front, together with Israel and the United States, against "local, regional and international" terrorism.
According to the paper, Russia's recent position has tended to favor Israel, with Moscow avoiding harsh criticism of Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza.
Sharon will also ask his hosts to halt the flow of technological information to Iran, telling them that Iran's nuclear weapons endanger the lives of six million Israelis, "including one million of Russian descent."
The prime minister will also discuss threats by Iraq against Israel.
Economic ties between Russia and Israel, as well as Israel’s relations with the Jewish community in Russia, will also be a focus of talks, said the paper.
An Israeli source told the paper that the Russian government would like to see Jewish community leaders stay in Russia to run the community life there, but were not setting up any obstacles for those wishing to emigrate to Israel.
Sharon has been careful to coordinate his message to the Russians with the US administration before leaving Israel. The prime minister will also meet with Moscow's patriarch and the Russian parliamentary speaker. He will return to Israel on Thursday afternoon, Haaretz added - Albawaba.com
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