Russian, U.S. Presidents Ready To Cooperate Against Nuclear, Chemical, And Biological Terrorism

The Russian and U.S. presidents are full of determination to boost cooperation to fight against new terrorist threats in "nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, and in the computer space," reads the joint statement of the Russian and U.S. presidents on fight against terrorism, adopted as a result of their negotiations in Shanghai. The two leaders agreed that there is a need to build up bilateral and multilateral actions to stop export and proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological substances, as well as related technology and means of delivery." Sources of financing, communications, and logistic support of terrorist organizations "must be destroyed," the document emphasizes. Vladimir Putin and George W. Bush stated that "fight against terrorism calls for the entire world community to unite in countering new challenges and threats based on international law and with full involvement of the UN." Mr. Putin and Mr. Bush called on all countries to "join the steadfast global coalition and help defeat international terrorism." In their opinion, countries must employ all diplomatic, political, financial, and military means available and engage their law enforcement agencies and secret services to eradicate terrorism, terrorists, and their sponsors and hold them accountable for their actions. The presidents urged "all countries without exception to take measures to prevent terrorist organizations from accessing financial resources." They also agreed that there is a need to fortify law enforcement in combating terrorism and toughen procedures to block terrorists and their equipment from moving within one country and from country to country. Mr. Putin and Mr. Bush pointed out the importance of the prompt ratification and implementation of the existing international anti-terrorist conventions.