During his visit to Russia, President Shimon Peres on Sunday released a message to Syria seeking to lower tensions between Damascus and Jerusalem. Mr. Peres was attending ceremonies marking the Russian army�s 65th anniversary of its Nazi defeat. He of course met with state leaders including President Dmitry Medvedev.

Realizing the president maintains a good relationship with Syria�s Bashar al-Assad, Mr. Peres asked him to convey his message of peace to the Syrian leader, explaining Israel is not seeking war, which is the �last thing Israel wants�.

The president added however that despite Israel�s yearning for peace; this cannot be actualized while Syria continues arming Hizbullah with advanced weaponry including Scud missiles.

Ironically, Russia is fulfilling a Syrian order for an advanced anti-aircraft system, which Israel fears will also be shipped to Hizbullah. In its defense, Moscow stresses the anti-aircraft system is defensive, not offensive.

Mr. Peres ceased the diplomatic opportunity, seated near Chinese President Hu Jinato, speaking with him about the Iranian threat and China�s ability to halt Iran�s nuclear program. He called on the Chinese leader to support sanctions against Iran, with Jinato releasing a statement highlighting the good relations that exists between his country and Israel.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)