Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met with Russian President Vladimir Putin this afternoon in Moscow. Sharon once again raised Israel's request that Russia halt its supply of nuclear technology to Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Iraq, as well as arms sales to Syria. Sharon will also meet with the leaders of Russian Jewish community during his two-day visit to Russia.
Aides in Sharon’s entourage described the meeting with Putin, which lasted several hours, as “better than good.” Putin was reported to be effusive in his praise of the Israeli decision to end the siege around the Mukata, "despite domestic objections [in Israel]." The extended duration of the meeting led to the rescheduling of Sharon’s meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister to tomorrow.