Prime Minister Sharon departed today for a three-day diplomatic/economic visit to Russia. He will attempt to convince President Vladimir Putin to reduce nuclear supplies and information to Iran, and present Israel\'s case in the continuing war against Yasser Arafat\'s terrorism. Economic issues will largely be dealt with by Israeli businessman Lev Levayev, formerly of the Soviet Union, who is the President of the Israel-Russia Trade Office. Asked today what is the main economic goal of his and Sharon\'s trip, Levayev answered, \"Our purpose is mainly to make Israeli businessmen aware of what is going on in the Russian economy, including the many changes and opportunities that are now available there in very many fields, and the many privatizations that are in the process of occurring there. Based on this, we must do all we can to get the Russian businessmen to invest here in Israel…\"



What is Levayev\'s opinion on the Israel\'s economic prospects? \"I am generally optimistic, and I think it will be OK, but the truth is that we must all tighten our belts, because the continuing security problems are liable to lead to severe problems for many businesses. We must not rely on miracles... We, of the Jewish Federation from the CIS, will be bringing in 35 people from the CIS next week to show solidarity with Israel...\"