Russia's fight in Chechnya part of war on terrorism: US

Press Trust of India Washington, September 27

President George W Bush on Saturday acknowledged that Russia's fight against terrorism in Chechnya is part of the global war on terror.

Bush said at a 40-minute press conference with Putin at Camp David after their talks spread over two days, "Both our nations have suffered at the hands of terrorists and both of our Governments have taken actions to stop them."

"No cause justifies terror," said Bush. "Terrorists must be opposed wherever they spread chaos and destruction, including Chechnya," he added.

Bush added that a lasting solution to the conflict would require an end to terror, respect for human rights, political settlement and free elections.

A delighted Russian President said that the fight against terror continues to be among the priorities of US-Russian cooperation and said, "I agree with the assessment that the President of the United States has just given in this sphere (war against terrorism); we are not only strategic partners but allies."

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Comment: The sleep of consciousness and reason is getting more and more abysmal. M.M.