Russia Helps Usa More Than Nato Countries: Ambassador

The USA is having greater assistance from Russia on its anti-terror crusade than from NATO countries, with Britain's exception, Alexander Vershbow, US Ambassador to Russia, said to a plenum of the Davos economic forum, which is having session in Moscow. As he referred to changes in the two countries' public mentality, the diplomat pointed out that the Presidents were the quickest to adjust to the current situation. They outran the people-in-the-street and even civilian and military experts on US-Russian relations. Bureaucrats are lagging behind, he remarked. What we are working for is much more important in bilateral contacts than what we are coming against, said Mr. Vershbow as he pointed out new risks and challenges facing Moscow and Washington alike. They are coming closer together with new dangers. However, not the threats but ideals pursued by both countries--shared values and economic freedom--will provide the basis for updated Russo-US relations. The ambassador went over to the sources of terrorism. A gap between the poor and rich countries is not the principal--suffice it to mention Saudi Arabia, one of the world's richest states and cradle of a movement led by Osama bin Laden, the world's most notorious terrorist. Today, Russia and the USA are together fighting for democracy, and it is hopeful, Alexander Vershbow said to round off his address.