Putin to Netanyahu: "Understand your concern from the Syrian front"

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited today (Monday) for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin opened and welcomed his guest: "Ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. I know that recently you celebrated in Israel the New Year. I want to congratulate you. Tomorrow night the fast of Yom Kippur begins, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the best."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "I thank you Mr. President for the greetings and also congratulate Russia on a day of celebration. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to you. Israel and Russia share a common interest to ensure stability in the Middle East. And I'm here because of the security situation which is becoming complex on our northern border. As you know, in recent years, and particularly in recent months, Iran and Syria have armed the Islamic extremist terrorist organization "Hizbullah" with advanced weapons, which are menacing us and have already been fired against us over the years, thousands of rockets and missiles on our cities. At the same time, Iran, under the auspices of the Syrian army, is trying to build a second terrorist front against us from the Golan.

"Our policy is to prevent these transfers of arms, as well as prevent the creation of a terrorist front and attacks against us from the Golan Heights. In these circumstances I thought it was very important that I come here, also to clarify our policies, and allow that there's no misunderstanding between our forces. And I have to say another word, both on a personal level as well as on a national level - as far as relations between us go, both when we agreed and when we disagreed, our discourse has always been conducted with mutual respect and openness. I'm sure this will happen again this time."

Russian President Vladimir Putin: "So it will be Mr. Prime Minister. Be sure of this. We never forget that in Israel live many former Soviet Union citizens, and this has a special implication for relations between the two countries. All actions of Russia in the region have always been very responsible. We are aware of the matter of shelling against Israel and condemn any such bombardment. I know that these are performed by residential systems. Regarding Syria, we know that the Syrian army is in such a state that it could not open a new front. Our main goal is to protect the Syrian state. However, I understand your concern and I'm very glad you came to discuss all the issues in detail."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!