Russia is prepared to take part, if needed, in possible operations to rescue US aircrews in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, using its "special relations" with the Northern Alliance, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Russian media Tuesday in Moscow.
Asked to explain how his earlier remarks that Russian troops would not fight in Afghanistan could be reconciled with the country's willingness to contribute to rescue operations, Putin said that Russia could employ "other means" as well, but declined to speak of them.
Russia's 12,500 infantry soldiers of the 201st Division and 10, 000 border guards stationed in Tajikistan have made great contribution to the stability in the region, Putin told reporters, while inspecting the city of Novy Urengoy, a major base of Russian natural gas production in Western Siberia.
(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2001)
