RUSSIA TO SELL SYRIA NEW AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM

 ISRAEL LINE MONDAY, MAY 18, 1998

  Russia and Syria are on the verge of signing their first arms deal since
the end of the Cold War, according to Israeli security and Russian
diplomatic sources, THE JERUSALEM POST reported.  The deal, which involves
air defense systems comparable to the United States-made Patriot missile, is
reportedly worth between $300 to $400 million.

 Israeli officials are expected to discuss the impending deal during
meetings with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Posuvalyuk, who is
arriving in Israel today following visits to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.