Russia is negotiating the sale of a short-range air defense missile system to Syria, the Russian defense ministry said Wednesday.

"Talks are underway with Syria to sell it the Strelets short-range air defense system, the delivery of which is not restricted by any international agreements," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement said the system is designed to be vehicle-mounted and cannot be used in a "man-portable modification."

The ministry denied reports that Russia plans to sell Iskander tactical missile systems or any man-portable missile systems to Syria.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad paid a historic four-day state visit to Moscow last month amid reports that Syria wants to acquire weapons from Moscow including Igla surface-to-air missiles and the advanced SS-26 Iskander missiles. As sad has defended his country's right to acquire Russian weapons for air defense.

The reports have infuriated both Israel and the United States who have expressed deep concern that such weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists and who have repeatedly asked Moscow not to make such a deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he has been informed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia will go ahead with the sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria despite Israel's misgivings.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2005)