Beijing Feb.18 -- The United States has expressed concerns over Russia's reported sale of a missile system to Syria and warned that the Russian move could destabilize the Middle East region.

    US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley said on Thursday that the United States has raised the concerns with the Russian government "in an appropriate way" and hopes that "the Russians will take them into account."

    Russia said on Wednesday that it intended to sell a new air defense missile system to Syria despite Israeli objection.

    An unnamed Russia defense ministry official was quoted as saying that "negotiations are now taking place on delivery to Damascus of the Strelets close-range anti-air system". However, the official denied that Moscow had any plans to sell longer-range tactical "Iskander" missiles to Syria.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)