Putin to visit Israel

Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin wants to visit Israel in June,
and has expressed interest in unveiling a monument in Netanya honoring
Jewish Red Army soldiers who fought in World War 2. There have been
no talks about specific arrangements because Putin has yet to be
inaugurated but after he is sworn in on May 7, Israel is expected to
begin preparing for his visit. Since Putin was elected president
earlier this month, senior Russian officials have made several
requests to the Foreign Ministry regarding Putin's interest in
visiting Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Putin
earlier this month to congratulate him on winning the presidential
election. Putin last visited Israel in April 2005, when Ariel Sharon
was prime minister.