Russian Deputy Foreign Minister:”It is time to put a legal frame for Yemeni-Russian cooperation in the fight of terrorism and exchange of information” [Archives:2004/743/Community]

Mohammed bin Sallam
Wednesday, 26 May, 2004- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and the official on terror department, Mr. Anotoly Safonov, held a press conference on this day in Sana'a, during which he revealed the purpose of his visit to Sana'a and the outcome of his talks with a number of Yemeni officials, in addition to his meeting with H.E. Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic.
The Russian official proceeded by saying, “The prime mission of the Terror Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry is to combat terrorism and terrorist elements likely to use high precision arms and weapons of mass destruction, in addition to its involvement in issues related to illegal drug trafficking, money laundering and rooting out sources of terrorism”.
The Russian official added that his department is also concerned with the apprehending of outlaws, through custom-designed coordination with other countries of the world, in harmony with effective legal procedures in each country.
“Russia is currently undertaking its cooperation on terrorism on three levels”, said the Deputy. “The first level is the coordination of joint acts between Russia and each concerned country. The second is the combating of terrorism at the local and regional levels within the frame of regional and international organizations such as within the G8 group or the Shanghai Cooperation Group. The third level of cooperation is with the Terrorism Combating Commission of United Nations”, the Russian official elaborated.
He also pointed out that there are other international centers to combat terrorism such as:
1- The center in Tashkent, the Uzbekistani capital affiliated with the Shanghai Group.
2- Manila center, affiliated with the Asia and Indian Ocean Cooperation Organization.
3- A center in Algeria
4- A center in South Africa.
5- A center in Latin America

Regarding the relations between Russia and Yemen
“The relations between Russia and Yemen are historic. They have spanned a period of more than 70 years with intensive consultations and contacts between the two political leaderships, in particular between President Putin and President Saleh, who have met several times in recent times”, said Mr. Anotoly.
“The cooperation extends to various fields including the economic, military and cultural cooperation”, he added.
The Russian official talked about his meeting with President Saleh where they discussed the Al-Qaeda phenomenon, its development, expansion, and motives, as well as other reasons leading to terrorism from a scientific point of view. He said that the two agreed to the importance of rooting out the sources of terrorism, and at the same time, resolving the causes leading to terrorism, headed by the Middle East conflicts. In addition, the two sides discussed the political, economic and religious aspects related to terrorism. The two also discussed the threats facing them, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the situations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Balkan regions.
The two sides agreed it was time to move toward the practical phase of implementation cooperation between them through a legal frame and that the cooperation would continue and develop towards the exchange of information between the security authorities, training the Yemeni security cadre in fighting terrorism and to other areas.
In his reply to a question about the Russia support to the Yemeni coastguard, the Russian official said, “Russia did not receive any request from the Yemeni government to contribute in the establishing of coastguards.”
He added, “Russia, in the past, contributed in the training of Yemeni cadres, especially in the military field, and we are optimistic about the prospect of the cooperation in the future.”
Regarding the role of Russia in the Quartet to find a peaceful settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict and the stance of Russia toward Iraq, Mr. Safonov said that Russia always votes at the Security Council in favor of simple and innocent people in Palestine, but other countries always veto resolutions. Russia also supports President Arafat. Russia was against the US unilateral invasion of Iraq and it doubted that there were any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
“Terrorism networks have multiplied in Iraq and as Ms. Madeline Albright said “Terrorism was born after US forces entered the country”, and we are working with our partners (US and Britain and other) to find solutions and peaceful means of existence”.
“Currently, the US has presented a draft and Russia is examining it. We are keen to sustain cooperation with Iraq. There are many Russian experts currently in Iraq who are helping to rebuild Iraqi economic establishments”.
The Russian official said that his recent visit to Saudi and his meetings with a number of Saudi officials was successful. “The Saudi officials confirmed to me that a number of steps were taken regarding the special funds, which used to fund terrorism. Saudi now is more cooperative with other countries in the field of terrorism and this is positive and it pleases us”, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister concluded his press conference.
——
[archive-e:743-v:13-y:2004-d:2004-06-03-p:community]