Putin Urges Cooperation Against Terrorism in US TV Interview

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, told the U.S. TV network CBS that he will urge United Nations members to unite to fight terrorism, ahead of his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

“I believe, I am pretty certain that virtually everyone speaking from the United Nations platform is going to talk about the fight, about the need to fight terrorism, and I cannot avoid this issue, either … and we all face the task of joining our efforts in the fight against this common evil,” Putin told CBS host Charlie Rose, in an interview scheduled to air Sunday.

The president further explained that the aid provided by the Russian government to its Syrian counterpart does not constitute direct military involvement.

“As of today it (Russian cooperation) has taken the form of weapons supplies to the Syrian government, personnel training and humanitarian aid to the Syrian people … we act based on the request from the Syrian government to provide military and technical assistance, which we deliver under entirely legal international contracts” he added.

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The Russian leader criticized the support given to Syrian rebels by western nations, which he described as illegal and counterproductive.

“In my opinion, giving military support to illegal structures runs counter to the principles of present international law and the United Nations Charter. We have been providing assistance to legitimate government entities only,” Putin said.

Last week, a group of around 70 Syrian rebels – trained and equipped by the U.S. – entered Syria only to surrender to Al-Qaida's affiliate Al Nusra just hours after.

The head of state further revealed that Moscow is trying to work with Syria's neighbors to cooperate against terrorism.

“We are trying to establish some kind of coordinated framework. I personally informed the president of Turkey, the King of Jordan as well as Saudi Arabia of that (Russian assistance to Syria). We informed the United States too. We will welcome a common platform for collective action against the terrorists,” Putin revealed.

The president will address the U.N. General Assembly Monday, where he is expected to talk about fighting terrorism in Syria and other issues.