Putin Formulates Russia's Position on U.S. Strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday put forward five principles on Russia's position on possible U.S. retaliatory strikes against terrorism.

Making a nation-wide televised address in the ORT television, Putin urged intensive cooperation among the intelligence services of various countries for tracking down international terrorists and their bases.

The President pledged to open Russia's airspace for the delivery of humanitarian cargoes to the site of possible anti- terrorist operation.

He stressed that Russia decided its position after consultation with its Central Asian allies, which are considering making their airfields available for the operation

Putin also noted Russia's readiness to take part in a possible international search and rescue operation within the framework of anti-terrorist operation.

The last principle, Putin said, is to expand cooperation with the internationally recognized Afghan government of Burhanuddin Rabbani and to give its armed forces additional assistance in the form of weapons supplies.

The President also spoke of the creation of a special group to deal with Russia's cooperation with countries participating in the counter-terrorist operation. He said the team, headed by Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, will "collect and analyze information and exchange it with the participants in the operation."

Putin also called to strengthen the role of the U. N. and its Security Council in the fight against international terrorism. It is necessary to improve international legal basis in order to make an effective and timely response to terror acts, Putin said.

"The Russian Federation has been fighting international terrorism for a long time, counting only on itself, and has repeatedly called on the world community to join hands," he added.

Putin made the remarks shortly after his meeting with parliamentary leaders on the issue.

(Xinhua News Agency 09/25/2001)