US Equivocal Standpoint On Chechen Terrorism

In spite of the military anti-terrorist campaign in Afghanistan, the US standpoint on the Chechen terrorism is still equivocal. In particular, the USA speaks out against Russia's military actions. Washington does not change principal approaches to the Chechen settlement, US Ambassador to Russia Alexander Vershbow told a news conference in Moscow. The USA does not support those trying to use power in order to achieve any political goals. It concerns, for instance, those attempting to damage Russia's territorial integrity, he noted. Washington assumes that Russia's purely military approach will not lead to the Chechen settlement, the Ambassador said. In this connection Washington was satisfied with the September 24th statement of Vladimir Putin giving a positive output and promoting a possible dialogue between Russian authorities and the Chechen side. The political solution of the Chechen problem found, it will meet the US interests, the Ambassador stressed. Vershbow believes the Russian community is becoming more open to cooperation with the USA, and an alliance between our countries may really form some day. Our governments know the majority of threats to our security have one source, and if we struggle together, it will meet our common interests, Vershbow said.