2009-05-31 11:59:02 -

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's foreign minister will head to Moscow on Monday to air his nation's concerns over Iran's nuclear program in talks with Russian leaders.
The trip is the tough-talking Avigdor Lieberman's first to Russia since taking office on March 31.
Israel's Foreign Ministry says Lieberman will meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Israel wants Russia to use its economic leverage and close ties with Iran to press it to stop its nuclear work.
The ministry said Sunday that Lieberman will also discuss Mideast peace efforts. Last week, Lieberman expressed «deep disappointment» over Lavrov's recent meeting in Syria with the leader of the violent Islamic Hamas group.