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Russia has never negotiated with terrorists, including Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov, and will not do so now, President Vladimir Putin said following talks with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev

February 6, 2004

Russia does not negotiate with terrorists, it destroys them, Mr Putin stressed, noting that one of the international community’s basic principles is not to enter into dialogue with terrorists, for such contacts only encourage them to commit new and even more serious crimes.

During his talks with President Aliev, Mr Putin noted that Russia and Azerbaijan have begun a more intensive dialogue on security issues. The two countries hold frequent discussions at various levels on security issues in the Caucasus region and the fight against terrorism.

The President expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and those who suffered in the explosion in the Moscow metro. “This is a great crime and a terrible trial for those struck by this tragedy and for our whole country,” Mr Putin said.

February 6, 2004