RUSSIA - March 1 - Putin Supports Anti-Terror Operation In Georgia.

Speaking in Almaty, Kazakhstan, at a summit of the CIS, Pres. Putin says Moscow will support the anti-terrorist operation in neighbouring Georgia "no matter who took part in it - American partners, European ones, or our Georgian colleagues". He says the US plan to train and equip Georgian troops is "no tragedy" for Moscow, adding: "If Central Asian governments can do this, then why not Georgia?" During the talks with Georgian Pres. Eduard Shevardnadze, Putin insists that relations between their countries are generally improving. In Tbilisi, officials said a contingent of US instructors would arrive in mid-March. They would train Georgian troops in anti-terrorist actions. After Putin's comments, FM Igor Ivanov said Georgia has "every right to turn to... the United States".