A ROW over Moscow’s nuclear assistance to Iran and arms sales to Syria overshadowed President Putin’s historic visit to Israel yesterday, the first by a Russian head of state.

Seeking to revive Russian influence in the Middle East, Mr Putin held discussions with Ariel Sharon, Israel’s Prime Minister, and President Moshe Katsav, between talks in Egypt with President Hosni Mubarak and a visit today to the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

But Mr Putin’s proposal for a Russian-hosted Middle East peace conference in the autumn was dismissed by Israel and Washington as premature.

Israel’s media focused on differences over the Jewish state’s regional foes, with front page headlines warning: “Sharon to Putin: Stop the Iranian Bomb” and “Security Sources: Putin Aiding Israel’s Enemies.” Mr Sharon is also said to be unhappy at Russian plans to sell armoured cars to Palestinian security services, fearing that the vehicles could be turned against Israeli troops if they fall into the hands of militants. Speaking in Jerusalem, Mr Putin insisted that Russia’s co-operation with Tehran’s nuclear programme was “within the boundaries of peaceful purposes”, and said that Tehran should “abandon all technology to create a full nuclear cycle and also not obstruct their nuclear sites from international control”.

Challenged on the sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, Mr Putin insisted that the weapons were vehicle-mounted and short range, so posed no threat to Israeli territory. But his assurances that the weapons cannot be modified were rejected by Israeli military officials, whose concerns were highlighted by President Katsav. “Despite steps taken by the Russian President to reduce the danger, we feel there is a danger of deadly weapons falling into the hands of Hezbollah,” he said.

Times Recommends

• It’s only Brits who don’t appreciate me, says Blair
• Party’s over for Greek graspers
• White House tightens security for Xmas marathon