ELECTION 99
US EDITION
COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

Russia promises help to fight Taliban threat

In his efforts to build an international strategy against terrorism, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh has secured Russia's co-operation in mobilising global co-operative action to fight across-border terrorism.

During his meeting with his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov, in New York yesterday, they felt that now was the proper time for international action to check the spreading menace.

Singh had a meeting with his British counterpart Robin Cook on Monday during which, they agreed to explore possibilities of joint international action against such activities, particularly those sponsored by the Taliban, which controls most of Afghanistan.

The issue is currently under discussion at the Security Council, of which both Britain and Russia, are permanent members, and were expected to press for a joint action against the terrorist threat from Afghanistan.

Afghan developments also figured prominently in Singh's discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Amre Moussa and Bahrain's Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak al Khalifa. Bahrain is a member of the Security Council.

Moscow is also upset over the United States' plan to develop an anti-ballistic missile defence system which, in its view, could adversely affect disarmament efforts and treaties already arrived at for reduction of atomic arms.

Jaswant Singh also met, though briefly, his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Koumura yesterday.

The main topic of their discussion was the reorganisation of the Security Council. The issue will be examined in detail during Singh's forthcoming visit to Tokyo.

This issue also figured in his meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Luiz Felipe Lampreia.

India, Japan and Brazil are strong contenders for a permanent seat in the Security Council.

Japan had taken strong objection to India's May 1998 nuclear tests and yesterday its foreign minister sought clarifications on the country's new nuclear doctrine.

Singh is expected to address the UN General Assembly later in the day today.

UNI

ALSO SEE
No meeting between Jaswant, Aziz in NY

Tell us what you think of this report