Russia 'Has Not Yet Delivered' S-300 Missiles to Syria
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday Moscow had not yet delivered its sophisticated S-300 missiles to the Damascus regime despite hints from Syrian President Bashar Assad that such shipments had already been made.
"The contract was signed several years ago. It has not been realized yet," Putin said at a joint press conference with EU leaders. "We do not want to upset the balance in the region."
The Russian leader also warned that any foreign military intervention in the 26-month crisis would fail.
"We once again underscored that any attempts to influence the situation through force and direct military intervention are doomed to failure," Putin said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a special visit to Russia last month to convince Moscow not to make the shipments.
Assad's suggestion in an interview last week that one of Russia's most advanced surface-to-air missiles had been delivered to the Damascus regime provoked condemnation from Western nations and fresh expressions of concern from Israel.
The S-300s could not only theoretically take out Israeli jets that have already made bombing raids over Syria but also complicate any military support missions that Western or regional powers intended to run in the region.
Putin agreed that the S-300 was "one of the best -- if not the best -- air defense systems in the world."
"The best, probably," Putin added.
The Syrian crisis and the European Union's decision to lift its arms embargo on Assad's foes dominated the Russia-EU summit that had otherwise been devoted to trade issues.
European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said that Brussels expressed its full support for a joint Russia-U.S. initiative for a peace conference involving both Assad's camp and the opposition to be held as soon as possible.
"What is happening in Syria today is a stain on humankind's conscience," added European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso.
04 June 2013, 15:04
25
Assad proved a liar again...what a muppet. Even if the system was delivered it will need a couple of years before it becomes operational. So this all bull talk anyway!
04 June 2013, 15:32
25
Uncle Vlad betrayed his best customer in the region. Yet, Bachar will keep eating in his hand.... He has no dignity whatsoever.
04 June 2013, 16:24
21
even if the s 300 will be delivered It will be essential for Israel to destroy them befor they become operational, even if Russian technicians get in the way.i think putin n ASSad know this fact..ASSad is a dreamer,dreams from far away
04 June 2013, 16:25
00
"ASSad" has not confirmed that SUCH shipments of the S-300s have been made. But then I might have misunderstood "ASSad" because my knowledge of the Arabic language is as good as March 14's and Lebanon First and Always Getting the Thick End of the Stick's knowledge of the Chinese language, in that "ASSad' said the S-300s are part of a whole agreement/deal PART OF WHICH (i.e. the deal/agreement) has already been fulfilled. But then again forgive my knowledge of the Arabic language even though, unlike the geniuses of March 14 and Lebanon First Fakes, I make an effort to read and not have others read on my behalf, think on my behalf and then do nothing but BS on their BS. You go, Pathetic Future of Lebanon.
04 June 2013, 16:50
12
The ruskies learned their lesson from CUBA..... Beleive me Tonto.
04 June 2013, 20:33
00
Russian must deliver the system and upset the balance that's the only way how the British,Americans,Israel,and France, Germany will back off.Us has sell weapons to Israel to destroy Iran plus to the rebels to destroy Syrian. why should Putin buy face with them.
When the Americans and the Europeans want to test their weapons their accused Alqaida but whenever their want to remove a regime which oppose their ideas then ALqaida become a important tool.
04 June 2013, 20:45
00
The Americans still owes the Russian trillions for the break up of Soviet union and still believe that the Russians are stupit.Mr. Putin stop pleasing the Americans and the European imperials while the ARABS are dying. All your allies will destroy while you are sitting on the pavilion until you remain alone and get kill by Sakasvillie of Georgia.
04 June 2013, 21:17
00
All the Russian allies like Iran,Syria,North Korea,VenenZuela and Cuba are under American and European sanctions while all American and European allies are free from sanctions.
