The Times: Great Britain Supports Russia's Military Operation In Chechnya

Great Britain expressed its most powerful support ever of Russia's military operation against Chechen separatists. This is the way influential British newspaper The Times commented on British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw's Wednesday talks in Moscow. The newspaper notes Straw said in the Russian capital that Moscow is faced with "a real threat of terrorism" emanating from militants seeking Chechnya's separation from Russia, and that it presents a serious threat to national security. The British Secretary also acknowledged ties between extremist groupings in Chechnya and Osama bin Laden, stresses The Times. According to the newspaper, such Straw's statements reflect the general position of the West that does not for the time being intend to criticize "the campaign Moscow is conducting in Chechnya."