Russia offers Turkmenistan assistance in investigating into attempt on Saparmurat Niyazov's life

Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo told journalists on Friday that Russia had offered Turkmenistan assistance in investigating into a recent attempt on Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov's life.

According to Mr Rushailo, the issue was touched upon during negotiations with the Turkmen President on Friday.

"Russia has always declared its stance towards the issue and I want to stress now that we see the attempt on the Turkmen President's life as a terrorist act. We are ready to offer assistance of the Russian law enforcement agencies and secret services," the Secretary of the Russian Security Council said.

Mr Rushailo described the negotiations with President Niyazov as positive in general. During the talks that lasted about four hours and a half the parties discussed a number of security issues, issues concerning the anti-terrorist cause, the situation in Central Asia, as well as the Caspian issue.