Following the terrorist attack on the Beslan school that claimed more than 430 lives, Presiden Vladimir Putin announced today the Russia is preparing
for pre-emptive strikes. This warning comes on the heels of the announcement by Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev that idetified his group as being
responsible. In additions to the warnings, Putin also directed comments at the West citing the dangers of double standards. The statements seemed to
be directed at the United States and the EU who have been both critical of Putins consolidation of his power, as well as pushing peace talks between
the two sides. Putin has flatly ruled out any deal with the rebels saying that dealing with them only deepens the cycle.
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MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) said Friday that Russia is "seriously preparing" for pre-emptive strikes against terrorists, as
Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev claimed responsibility for a school hostage-taking and other attacks that have claimed more than 430 lives.
Speaking to a meeting of world mayors in Moscow, Putin also made a veiled attack on the West, saying that double standards in dealing with terrorism
are "disastrous for global security."
Putin didn't name any specific countries, but his comments appeared to be aimed against European and U.S. officials who have urged Moscow to conduct
peace talks with Chechen rebels.
"There continue to be attempts to divide terrorists into 'ours and others,' into 'moderates and radicals,' " Putin said in televised remarks. "All
this is a condescending, justifying attitude to murderers, which amounts to being an accomplice to terrorism."
Putin firmly ruled out any "bargaining" with terrorists. "Every concession leads to aggression, a widening of their demands and multiplies the
losses," he said.
The president said that "now in Russia, we are seriously preparing to act preventively against terrorists," adding such action would be "in strict
accordance with the law and norms of the constitution, norms of international law."
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The preventive actions he further said would be consistent with constitutional and international laws. Putin did not specify if he was refering to
actions within Russia or aboroad. However lower level officials have indicated that targets outside of Russia are possible with any weapons systems
with the exception or nuclear. The Riyadus Salikhin Martyrs' Brigade" is the group that has claimed responsability for not only the school yard
attack, but the recent downing of two passenger jets in Russia as well. The claims came from an email posted on the Kavkaz-Center website, known to be
an outlet for the rebels, however, its authenticity has not been confirmed. In addition to the claims, the post also cites the Russian special forces
as being responsable for the blasts by thier actions. Some international experts feel that Basayev may be trying to place the blame for all the
casulties on the Russians to try to blunt the almost universal comdemnation that has taken place. They feel he may have lost support even amongst his
hard core support in the Middle East. Basayev is listed by the US government as a direct threat, however, he vehemently denies any claims to Bin
laden.
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[url=http://english.pravda.ru/accidents/21/96/382/14192_helicopter.html]english.pravda.ru
observer.guardian.co.uk
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