mounted and cannot be turned into shoulder-fired rockets. Israel rejects the explanation and Western defence analysts say the weapons could be taken apart and made portable. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has also raised concerns about the sale. Russia says it carries out arms exports in accordance with international law and would do nothing that would destabilise the Middle East. Russia, together with the United States, the United Nations and the European Union, is part of a so-called "Quartet" of mediators pressing Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate a lasting peace deal. The Quartet drafted a "road map" peace plan. Putin also dismissed criticism by Israel and Washington over Russia's plan to supply nuclear fuel for an Iranian reactor, saying the deal was for peaceful purposes and would not help Iran, sworn to Israel's destruction, develop nuclear weapons. "We don't feel Iran should feel limited in obtaining technological knowledge and using modern technology," said Putin. "Limiting Iran would serve no purpose, it would only lead to complications and severe consequences." -
