Russian Premier Reaffirms No Russian Involvement in US StrikesRussian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov reaffirmed Friday that Russia will not participate in the U.S.-led strikes in Afghanistan.Russia will provide humanitarian relief to the country and assist the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, Kasyanov told a news conference in Yaroslavl, not far from Moscow. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Wednesday ruled out any Russian participation in the military operation in Afghanistan. He also said Russia would make its airspace available only to transport planes of the anti-terrorism coalition. Russian Defense Ministry on Thursday also categorically denied a Western report alleging Russian troops deployed in Tajik-Afghan border had entered Afghanistan. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |