Russia Seeks To Join NATO

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, September 26, 2001

BERLIN -- Russian President Vladimir Putin today reiterated his country's support for the U.S. in its battle against terrorism and called for Russia to be admitted into NATO.

On the second day of a visit to Germany, Putin stressed that military action alone is not enough. The Russian leader said the financing for terrorists had to be dried up and global concepts were needed to combat poverty. Putin also said that Russia is ready to begin talks for membership in NATO.

In a speech to Germany's parliament yesterday, Putin said that lingering East-West divisions are hurting efforts to build a united front against terrorism. He also called on the West to drop its Cold War-era stereotypes of Russia.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said "Europe must open itself up to Russia" after meeting Putin earlier today in Berlin.

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