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US welcomes Russian anti-terrorism offers, calls again for Chechnya talks
( 2001-09-26 10:54 ) (7 )

The United States on Monday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's offers of assistance in a US-led anti-terrorism coalition that could include military strikes against targets in Afghanistan.

But US officials said Putin's offers to help them retaliate for the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington would not change their position on Chechnya. They said they would continue to call on Russia to seek a political settlement with the Chechen separatists, whom Moscow portrays as "terrorists".

"President Putin, in a strong statement to the world, talked about the cooperation that Russia and the United States will have in combating global terrorism," President George W Bush said, welcoming Moscow on board.

"The coalition of legitimate governments and freedom-loving people is strong," he aded.

Putin on Monday delivered a somber televised address to Russians, preparing them for possible military involvement in Afghanistan alongside the United States in retaliating against Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda netork, the prime suspects in the attacks.

"Russia is further ready, if necessary + if necessary + to take part in international search and rescue missions," Putin said.

He added that Russia would open its airspace and that of other former Soviet republics for possible US-led reprisal strikes.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher joined Bush in welcoming the Russian offers.

"We appreciate his offers of concrete cooperation in our common fight against terrorism," he told reporters.

"We think that President Putin's remarks demonstrate that Russia can make a major contribution to the common struggle while at the same time respecting the sovereignty and independence of its neighbor," Boucher said.

In his speech, Putin also laid down a 72-hour ultimatum for rebels in the breakaway republic of Chechnya to give up, or else. He called on the separatists to contact his envoy discuss surrender terms.

But he did not use the word "negotiations" or suggest a pull-out of Russian troops from Chechnya.

He also called on the rebels to sever their alleged ties with bin Laden and al-Qaeda.

Boucher said Washington's position on Chechnya -- that Moscow should seek a political dialogue with the rebels -- remained the same and would not change as a result of Russian assistance in the anti-terrorism coalition.

"The Chechen leadership, like all responsible political leaders in the world, should immediately and unconditionally cut all contacts with international terrorist groups," he said.

"At the same time, the United States has long said that only a political process can resolve the terrible conflict in Chechnya and we would welcome steps by Russia to engage sincerely the Chechen leadership."