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(3 May 2005) SHOTLIST

1. Israeli President Moshe Katsav and Russian President Vladimir Putin entering news conference
2. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian President
"With Iran we are working to use the nuclear power for peaceful causes. We are strongly opposing any plans from Iran to obtain atomic weapons. Our position, I think, is also shared by Israel."
3. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Russian President Vladimir Putin entering room
4. Various, Sharon, and Putin and delegates around table
5. Putin being introduced to Israeli delegates
6. Sharon showing exhibits to Putin
7. Various, Sharon, Putin and other delegates at lunch table

STORYLINE:

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Israel's President and Prime Minister on Thursday as part of a visit to Israel that has been marked by Israeli criticism and disagreements on various issues.

Earlier when meeting with his Israeli counterpart Moshe Katsav, the two discussed Russia's planned sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and supply of nuclear components to Iran.

Addressing Israeli fears that he's affecting the region's balance of power, Putin said in a joint press conference with Katsav that he "strongly opposes any plans from Iran to obtain atomic weapons."

Putin then met Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for lunch at the Israeli leader's home in Jerusalem.

The two exchanged gifts and a traditional Passover meal.

Putin arrived on Wednesday from Egypt where he unveiled a proposal for a Mideast conference to be held in Moscow in autumn, after Israel completes its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

Israel said that such a meeting was "premature".

Putin also pledged to tackle the growing problem of anti-Semitism in his country.

His trip, intended to cement Russia's relations with the Jewish state and boost its profile in the international scene, is the first trip here by a Kremlin leader.

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