Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov warned Friday that US retaliatory strikes for the deadly attacks on Washington and New York would not solve the long-term threat of international terrorism.
"What we need is long-term cooperation and steps aimed at preventing such tragedies," Ivanov said in an interview with CNN, whose transcript was released by the Russian foreign ministry.
"From our point of view, we must present a united response," Ivanov said. "Russia not only offers its sympathy, but also -- as President Vladimir Putin has said -- is ready to offer all the necessary help."
Ivanov said that Western nations "must jointly develop a global system that would stand in the way of new threats."
"It is absolutely clear that no one nation can solve these problems on its own."
The United States has said it is mulling a military response for Tuesday's attacks, with Saudi multi-millionaire Osama bin Laden -- thought to be in hiding in Afghanistan -- being the main suspect.
Earlier Friday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov ruled out Russia's participation in any joint military reprisal operation.
However, Russia is also keen to see bin Laden taken out, accusing him of funding and training Islamic guerrillas waging a brutal two-year resistance against federal forces in rebel Chechnya.
Separately, the Russian foreign minister said Moscow had no plans to use Tuesday's tragedies as a bargaining chip in ongoing consultations over Washington's plans to construct a missile defense shield.
"Consultations are under way and constructive dialogue is continuing," on missile defense, said Ivanov.
Russia opposes the US project, arguing that it could spark a new nuclear arms race and that it would be unable to protect nations from terrorist strikes such as Tuesday's hit on New York and Washington – MOSCOW (AFP)
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