ISRAEL AND RUSSIAN TO WORK TOGETHER AGAINST TERRORISM

Israel, Russia agree to united front in 'war against terrorism'
JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israel's and Russia's foreign ministers inked a deal Monday to step up intelligence cooperation after the Beslan school tragedy, branding terrorism the biggest challenge facing the international community.

Speaking on a one-day visit to Jerusalem, Russia's Sergei Lavrov said a united front was needed to combat the threats posed by the likes of the Chechen rebels behind last week's school hostage tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 300 people. ...

"The growing interdependency of states caused by rapid development of globalisation requires mobilisation of the international community to counter modern threats and challenges," the statement said.

"In this regard the foreign ministries will encourage in every possible way the development of broad bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation in fighting international terrorism."
Shalom expressed his condolences over the tragedy in Beslan, telling Lavrov Israel fully understood the pain and grief that Russia was now experiencing. "The terror that hit Russia is no different to the terror that hit New York, Tel Aviv or Madrid," said Shalom.

"Israel and Russia share interests to cooperate against terrorism. Today we discussed ways to do so. "The international community must unite against terrorism, must raise a united front against the murder of children."

Lavrov, who arrived in Israel on Sunday, later held talks with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. A short statement issued after the meeting echoed the earlier news conference. "The two men agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the intelligence and humanitarian fields," it said. "Only a united international offensive can defeat terrorism."

In a telephone conversation between Sharon and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, the two leaders spoke of the need to exchange more intelligence to battle the threat posed by extremist groups after the Beslan tragedy.