http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/11/10/ ... rity.shtml
Vladimir Putin, right / Photo: AP
International Terrorism Threatens Russian Integrity — Putin
Created: 10.11.2005 10:36 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 10:36 MSK
MosNews
The aggression of international terrorism poses a threat to Russia’s integrity, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a conference of the command personnel of the Russian armed forces.
“That is why the attention to state policy in the area of defense and security ought not to be relaxed,” he was quoted by Itar-Tass as saying.
“The smoldering regional and ethnic conflicts, including those close to Russia’s borders, pose a serious threat. However, it is the aggression of international terrorism that poses a direct threat to the integrity of our state and to the lives of our citizens,” he said.
Although Putin did not name exact territories, it is widely known that many al Quaeda mercenaries train rebels in Russia’s Caucasus and even take part in raids on Russian territory. Several Beslan attackers were confirmed as being Arabs. Their work was coordinated by the Arab mercenary Abu-Dzeyt, who was on the international wanted list and was killed on Feb. 16, 2005. He was the organization’s “official” envoy to Russia — in charge of distributing cash funds provided by al Qaeda to radical Islamists in the Northern Caucasus. Another two mercenaries, often mentioned in the news before they were killed by Russian troops, Hattab and Abu Walid, were also foreigners believed to have carried out major raids and hostage-takings.
Dmitry Kozak, the presidential envoy to the North Caucasus, also said during a visit to Israel on Wednesday that if Chechen rebels were not sponsored by al Qaeda, they would be easier to defeat.