Accusing U.S. of double standards in anti-terrorism fight – Russian answer on criticism

Russia answered on U.S. criticism, saying that the United States and the countries using d ouble standards in the fight against international terrorism. They want to allow freely moving Chechen rebel.

Photo: Accusing U.S. of double standards in anti-terrorism fight – Russian answer on criticism

"I cannot fail to say that the effectiveness of our cooperation with foreign partners is negatively affected by the policy of double standards of specific countries," said Nikolai Patrushev, the head of the Federal Security Service.

"We see that in the fight against terrorists the United States , when they need to, act in a very tough manner, sidestepping commonly recognized norms affecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Suffice it to remember Guantanamo, events in Iraq and others," Patrushev told lawmakers.

He lamented that a number of Chechen rebel leaders were allowed in the United States and other nations.

Moscow has repeatedly criticized Washington for granting political asylum in 2004 to Ilyas Akhmadov, foreign minister in the rebel Chechen government. Britain has also come under fire for giving refuge to Chechen rebel envoy Akhmed Zakayev, reports the AP.

N.U.