Alexei Arbatov thinks that Russia may participate in the retaliatory actions of the US, however, only if the US makes a corresponding request to Russia

The USA should hold consultations with Russia on the terms of Moscow’s participation in this operation, said Arbatov, Deputy Head of the Duma Defence Committee and member of the Yabloko faction, at a press conference at the RIA-Novosti agency on September 18, 2001.

He also noted that at present he did not have any information about such consultations. Arbatov also expressed his hope that “such consultations are being held”. “It would be strange, if there were none [consultations],” noted Arbatov. He also drew the attention of the press to the recent meetings in Moscow between the Deputy Secretary of State John Bolton and Deputy Head of Foreign Ministry of Russia Georgy Mamedov and the Head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Igor Ivanov.

Speaking about the terms of Moscow’s participation in the military operation against terrorists he pointed out, that in his opinion, Russia first of all required detailed guarantees from the US about its security,” as well as a “commitment that Washington will coordinate its actions with Russia, and Moscow will participate in the decision-making.”

If Russia allows the US to use its military bases, airports and other resources, than “an alliance of some kind will develop” between the US and Russia, which will “envisage guarantees of mutual security,” noted Arbatov. At the same time he indicated that at present the US thought that Russia’s support should be granted “carte blanche”, i.e., the US expects complete political support from Moscow for the actions developed by Washington without involving the Russian side. “If the USA adopts such a position, the military support of Russia will be impossible,” added Arbatov. He also stressed that in this case Russia would render the US moral support, but nothing else.

Speaking about NATO, Arbatov said that “if the USA coordinates its actions with its allies and choose a way of turning the alliance into an organisation that combats terrorism, which naturally imply profound reforms of NATO, the issue of Russia’s membership in this organisation could be considered.”

Based on RIA-Novosti reports.

See also:

Acts of terror in the US