RUSSIAN NAVY TO OPERATE FROM SYRIA

Russian Navy to Operate from Syria - Aryeh Egozi and Alex Fishman (Ynet News)
For the first time since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Russia plans to operate the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean using Syrian ports as permanent bases. According to Western media reports, Syria plans to let the Russians use its ports as part of the large arms deal signed between the two countries in the past year after they resolved their financial differences.

The Russians conceded more than 70% of Syria's $11 billion debt. The remaining debt will be returned by Syria partly through permanent port services to Russian Navy ships in Latakia and Tartus. Israeli officials estimated on Sunday that renewed bases in Syria will help the Russians carry out spy missions also against Israel, particularly electronic spying.