Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) meets Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Sochi residence Bocharov Ruchey yesterday, August 18, 2005.
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
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Putin Offers Money to Jordan
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Jordan's King Abdullah II in the Sochi residence Bocharov Ruchey yesterday, August 18, perhaps, to thank His Majesty for all he had done for Russia when buying the planes and armaments of the latter.
During the meeting Putin was obviously pleased to remind Abdullah II that the king had left Russia’s MAX-2005 Air Show not empty-handed [a contract for shipping two IL-76MF military transport planes to Jordan). Nevertheless, terrorism fighting and Iraq were in the limelight at the news conference that followed the talks. Putin called for negotiating with opposition to normalize the relations in Iraq.
When it came to the Middle East, Putin hailed Israeli steps to evacuate settlements in the Gaza Strip. The president praised Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for the courage, and made it clear Sharon will have to show patience in future. “We think it is necessary to help Palestinians establish their security forces and intend to do it,” Putin said.
As to the Russian-Jordanian relations, Putin specified Russia may provide financial aid to Jordan so that they could gain momentum. “The case in hand is millions of dollars,” Putin added after certain hesitation, perhaps, in an attempt to make it clear – should Jordan be short of money for the next consignment of Russia’s planes and weapons, Russia would back it up. The terms of such loans will be very attractive. So far, Russia has never provided the funds this way, Putin promised.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Aug. 19, 2005
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