Putin pledges to donate military equipment and training to Palestinians

[IronLionZion]

"In talks with Palestinians intended to help revive Moscow's Cold War-era regional influence, Putin was expected to discuss helping President Mahmoud Abbas strengthen his security forces.

Palestinians said Russia, which has dropped a proposal to host a peace conference after U.S. and Israeli objections, is offering armored vehicles and helicopters. Israel has already voiced concern about that.

Putin will offer 50 armored vehicles and two transport helicopters for Palestinian security forces, battered during a 4-1/2 year uprising, Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister Nabil Shaath told Reuters: "This will be coordinated with Israel because Israel controls our borders," he said.

But senior Israeli officials said any such offer would be unacceptable to the Jewish state, where Putin tried on Thursday to allay concerns over Russia's planned arms sales to neighboring Syria and help for Iran's nuclear program. "



http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=8343066