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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| Putin Calls Russia Islamic World's Most Reliable Ally |
| 2005-12-14 |
| Via DhimmiWatch Russia is the Islamic world's most reliable partner, President Vladimir Putin said in Chechnya on Monday, implying that by attacking Russia, terrorists were doing their cause a disservice. Putin paid a surprise visit to Grozny, capital of the war-torn Islamic region, to address the opening of the first session of the local parliament. "Russia has always been the most faithful, reliable and consistent defender of the interests of the Islamic world," he told Chechen lawmakers, to applause. "Russia has always been the best and most reliable partner and ally." "By destroying Russia, these people [terrorists] destroy one of the main pillars of the Islamic world in the struggle for rights in the international arena, the struggle for their legitimate rights," Putin added. He said the leaders of key Islamic states understood this, which was why the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Arab League sent observers to monitor recent elections and a referendum on a constitution for Chechnya. While Western organizations refused to serve as observers, the Arab and Islamic bodies sent delegates and gave the elections their approval. Expanding on Russia's ties to the Muslim world, Putin said OIC member states had unanimously agreed to admit Moscow as a permanent observer. "Recently a delegation of Russian Muslims has been to Mecca to discuss the problems of Muslim world development with their brothers," he said. "Russia will pursue this policy." Russia has a total population of some 144 million, of which more than 20 million are Muslims. Rest at link. |
| Posted by:ed |
| #3 Brett- I think it is a good move by Putin. Now he can really kick the crap out of the terrorists, because he can say, What? I'm the muslims' best friend. I love those guys. |
| Posted by: Penguin 2005-12-14 22:35 |
| #2 Putie-poot made a lot of threatening noises after Beslan. Guess he figures we all forgot by now... |
| Posted by: PBMcL 2005-12-14 21:49 |
| #1 Sheesh. Just get on your knees and SUCK! |
| Posted by: Brett 2005-12-14 20:15 |