Moscow, Nov 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Israeli President Shimon Peres has said Russia can stop the bloodshed in Syria and bring peace to the Middle East.

"The border with Syria has been silent for many years, and we would like it to stay that way," Peres said Thursday after hodling talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin here.

"I believe Russia and you have an important role: you can stop the bloodshed in Syria and bring peace and security not only to Syria but also to the Middle East," he said.

The Syrian conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, according to various Syrian opposition groups. The UN puts the toll at 20,000-30,000 people.

The Israeli president also said that "those who deny the possibility of a disaster in Iran may indirectly cause it".

"Neither you nor we hate Iran, but both -- we and you -- want to live in a world without fear and tension," he said.

The West is pushing for President Bashar Al Assad's ouster while Russia and China are trying to prevent outside interference in Syria. They maintain that the Assad regime and the opposition are both to blame for the bloodshed.

Veto-wielding Moscow and Beijing have three times blocked sanctions resolutions on Syria.