Russian President On The Increasing Role Of Military Intelligence

Answering journalists' questions after a visit to the Chief Intelligence Department of the General Staff, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the increasing role of military intelligence in the effort to fight terrorism that followed recent developments in the Caucasus and worldwide. The role of secret services is bound to increase now that Russia has accomplished large-scale military action in the Caucasus, said Putin. "Cooperation between the Chief Intelligence Department and our partners from the international anti-terrorist coalition is equally important," he added. "We could hardly overestimate the role and importance of military intelligence here." The president identified military intelligence as a unique tool employing special task forces, space vehicles and other technical means as well as traditional methods. Later on, Putin laid a wreath to the monument to military intelligence agents.