Putin Defends Missile Sales to Syria (And Nuclear Components to Iran)

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http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=711089

Putin Defends Planned Russian Sale of Missiles to Syria and Nuclear Components to Iran

JERUSALEM Apr 28, 2005 — Russian President Vladimir Putin faced down Israeli criticism Thursday, saying that Russia's planned sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and supply of nuclear components to Iran does not threaten Israel's security.

Addressing Israeli fears that he's affecting the region's balance of power, Putin urged Iran to do more to show the world that it's not trying to build a nuclear weapon.

He also pledged to tackle the growing problem of anti-Semitism in his country.