Russia, Britain to increase joint efforts against terror
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement on Wednesday resolving to increase cooperation between their nations' security agencies. Human rights' groups, however, allege that Putin's government uses the issue of terror to mask abuses in the Russian republic of Chechnya.By JILL LAWLESS
The Associated Press
LONDON , Oct. 5 -- Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday showed Russian President Vladimir Putin the underground command center where he coordinates Britain's response to disasters and emergencies, and the two leaders pledged to increase joint efforts to combat terrorism.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair at his official residence, 10 Downing Street, in London, Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alexei Panov, ITAR-TASS/Presidential Press Service)They were briefed by top British officials in the high-security meeting room of the civil contingencies committee, known as COBRA _ an acronym for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A.
"Russia and the Russian people, like Britain and the British people, know the threat which global terrorism poses. But we also share the same determination not to be defeated by it," Blair told reporters after the meeting.
Putin is the first foreign leader to be invited to the COBRA meeting room. He and Blair issued a joint statement saying they had "resolved to continue to strengthen our partnership, in particular by increasing practical cooperation between our security agencies."
Putin said the Russian delegation was pleased with the talks.
"We both understand the global challenges and threats of today, including that of terrorism," he said.
Human rights groups allege that Putin's government uses the battle against terrorism to cover abuses in the restive Russian republic of Chechnya. Amnesty International last week said Russian forces in Chechnya were responsible for "gross human rights violations," including torture and forced confessions.
Blair said Tuesday that Russian and European leaders had discussed Chechnya during a one-day summit in London, but gave no specifics.
Putin said Wednesday he was grateful for the candor of British officials, especially in "sensitive" areas of their discussions.
Trade and energy issues also were discussed on the second day of Putin's trip to London, a day after Blair headed the European Union delegation at the EU-Russia summit.
On Wednesday, the two leaders stressed Russia's importance as an energy supplier to Britain. Oil accounts for much of energy-hungry Europe's imports from Russia, a major producer eager for Western investment.
Blair said Britain valued Russia "as a stable and effective partner for us in the energy policy of the future."
Putin said at a news conference Tuesday that "Russia has constantly been augmenting her supply of oil, helping the world economy, including Europe, by constraining prices."
In a ceremony at No. 10 Downing Street, Putin also bestowed medals on the British team that used a remote-controlled Scorpio underwater robotic vehicle to free a Russian mini-submarine and save its seven-member crew after the vessel became entangled in cables in the Pacific in August. It was the first time Russian service medals have been awarded to foreign military personnel.
"I would like to thank you for the work done, for the mission accomplished in the rescue of the Russian seamen," Putin said, before pinning medals on the lapels of each of the five men.
Royal Navy Commander Ian Riches, who led the rescue, received the Order for Maritime Services, as did Stuart Gold and Peter Nuttall, operators of the vehicle.
Capt. Jonathan Holloway, the British naval attache in Moscow, and Royal Air Force pilot Keith Hewitt, who flew the rescuers to Russia, received the Order of Friendship.
Story Produced by: Gwen Heimburg
