Russia's Putin sees no risk of large-scale war
( 2001-09-22 09:52 ) (7 )

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed fears on Friday that the world was on the threshold of a large-scale war because of a US pledge to punish those behind deadly airliner attacks on New York and Washington.

In an interview with Germany's ARD television station, part of which was shown on Russian networks, Putin said Russia's intelligence services were ready to work even more closely with the United States in the "fight against terrorism". "I believe there is no basis for the suggestion that mankind faces the danger of moving towards a large-scale military confrontation," the Russian leader said.

"I don't believe anything of this sort will happen. The leaders of the world's most prominent countries will not allow it. There should be no such danger."

His comments came the day after US President George W. Bush told his forces to be ready for action.

US defence officials said on Friday heavy bombers and elite troops were to move within striking distance of Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden, key suspect in the devastating September 11 attacks, is believed to be hiding.

Putin said the world's leading nations were determined to crack down on "terror and religious extremism", which he said were the greatest threats facing the globe.

"We are ready to cooperate with the United States in the fight against terrorism in the broadest possible way," Putin said. "What is at issue here is moving this cooperation onto a new qualitative level, and we are ready for this."

Putin was among the first international leaders to offer Bush condolences and support after airliner attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center killed more than 6,500 people.

But he said, "All of our actions must and will take place in full accord with Russian legislation and both Russia's international obligations and international law." he said.