Russia to supply Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 fighter jets
Sources privy to the deal quoted by Rio Novosti agency as saying planes to be sold at 'heavy discount.'
By Yoav Stern News Agencies Tags: Russia Lebanon Israel newsRussia has agreed to supply Lebanon with 10 MiG-29 fighter jets, Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr said on Tuesday during a visit to Moscow.
The ITAR-Tass news agency said the planes would be provided as aid.
Murr spoke during Tuesday's talks in Moscow with Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.
Serdyukov told the Rio Novosti agency that Moscow had received a weapons procurement list from the Lebanese armed forces which would be considered in the near future. He added that the fighter deliveries would provide a fresh impetus to military cooperation between the two countries.
Inside sources privy to the deal were quoted by the Rio Novosti agency as saying the warplanes "will be sold at a hefty discount."
Russia has sought to expand its clout in the Middle East and hopes to host a Middle East peace conference next year.
It is a member of the so-called Quartet of Mideast peacemakers, which also includes the United States, the European Union and the United Nations.
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