RUSSIA FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN SEARCHING TERRORISTS

MOSCOW, September 3 (RIA Novosti) - It is important in principle for Russia that in its statement of September 1, 2004, the UN Security Council calls upon the states to actively cooperate with the Russian authorities, if they ask for assistance, in their efforts for searching and bringing to account the performers, organisers and sponsors of the terrorist acts in Russia.

The statement by Russian Foreign Ministry official spokesman Alexander Yakovenko, issued on Friday, says.

The Russian diplomat pointed out that the United Nations, its Secretary General and the Security Council had always quickly reacted to terrorist acts in the Russian Federation.

In September 1999, that is immediately after the explosion of apartment buildings in Moscow and Volgodonsk, the UN Security Council, on Russia's initiative, passed its first anti-terrorist resolution which actually marked the beginning of the world community's understanding of the global character of the terrorist threat.

In October 2002, after the hostage-taking drama at Dubrovka, the UN Security Council passed a tough resolution which denounced that monstrous crime and demanded an immediate release of the hostages.

"All these official documents and statements repeatedly underscored that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations was one of the most serious threats to international peace and security; hence, any acts of terrorism are crimes and cannot be justified by any motives and no matter who commit them and where," the Russian Foreign Ministry official spokesman underscored.