Bush Praises Russian thr Georgian "anti-terrorism" Cooperation.

November 21, 2002 (While discussing Chechnya, terrorism, Iraq with Russia's NTV)

President Bush told Russia's NTV that he is pleased Russian President Vladimir Putin is working with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze to come up with a common strategy to rout out of Georgia's Pankisi Gorge terrorists who seek to bring instability to Russia.*

Bush's interview with NTV had been taped in Washington prior to his departure for Europe, but was aired November 21 while Bush was in Prague attending the NATO Summit. The President was scheduled to meet with President Putin in St. Petersburg November 22 to discuss a host of issues, including Russia's emerging relationship with NATO.

Asked about Chechnya, Bush said U.S. policy has not changed as a result of the recent hostage-taking at a Moscow theater. He said he would continue to encourage Putin to find a peaceful solution. But he went on to defend Putin's handling of the Moscow theater hostage crisis, saying that "any time terrorists come to take life, a leader must step forward." "The people to blame are the terrorists," Bush said, adding, "I believe you can hold terrorists to account ... and at the same time solve difficult situations in a peaceful way."

[A discussion on terrorism and Iraq follows.]

The White House.
Office of the Press Secretary November 21, 2002

*Webauthor's note: As expected, what the praised Putin's and Shevardnaze's common "anti-trerrorism" strategy really was about, became clear short after. See for instance: link1 & link2 & link3 & link4 & link5 & .......