Russia calls for joint fight against terrorism

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, SEPT. 12. Russia has urged the world community to unite forces in fighting international terrorism.

In a televised statement, the Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, described Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the United States as an ``unprecedented act of aggression on the part of international terrorism'' and a ``brazen challenge to all mankind''.

``What has happened today bears out again the urgency of Russia's proposal to unite the efforts of the international community in the struggle against terrorism, this plague of the 21st century,'' the Russian leader said in a late night address. Russia has maintained that the military conflict in Chechnya put it at the frontline of fighting terrorism and resented the West's criticism of its crackdown on Chechen separatists.

Mr. Putin also sent a message of condolence to the U.S. President, Mr. George W Bush, telling ``Dear George'' that ``barbarous terrorist acts aimed against wholly innocent people cause us anger and indignation''. Russia has placed its air- defence forces on higher alert in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. and imposed additional checks on air passengers and their baggage across the country.

Russia's Emergencies Ministry has offered to send help to deal with the aftermath of the attacks and said its rescue workers were ready to fly to the United States.

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Section  : International
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