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Putin, Schroeder Discuss Afghan Situation
The situation in Afghanistan is developing as the anti-terrorist coalition has planned, Russian President Vladimir Putin said here Friday night after talks with visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
"I disagree that the situation in Afghanistan is skidding off the course planned by the anti-terrorist coalition," said Putin at a late-night joint press conference with Schroeder.
The fight in Afghanistan "will last for a long time and will take plenty of efforts and probably, victims," he said.
He also said Russia and Germany held "very close or almost the same" positions on the Afghan issue.
Schroeder stressed the need to develop close cooperation in the struggle against international terrorism, saying he and Putin discussed the humanitarian aspect of the U.S.-led military operation.
The talks covered ABM-related and anti-terrorism issues, according to Putin.
Schroeder, who just ended his visits to Pakistan, India and China, arrived here Friday night for a brief visit of a few hours. This is the fourth meeting between Schroeder and Putin this year.
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