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Britain extends a rare gesture to Putin

Hasan Suroor

LONDON: Combating global terrorism figured prominently in the talks between visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday when they met on the second day of the Russian leader's visit to Britain.

In a rare gesture, Mr. Putin was given a tour of the exclusive Cobra briefing room in Downing Street where the Prime Minister and his intelligence advisers plan emergency measures. Mr. Putin also received a briefing on security issues from intelligence services ahead of his discussions with Mr. Blair. The two leaders were reported to have agreed on the need to strengthen international cooperation in tackling terrorism.

It was not immediately known whether Mr. Putin raised extradition of Chechen rebel leader Ahmed Zakayev who has been living in Britain after being granted asylum despite strong protests from Moscow.

Mr. Putin last visited Downing Street more than two years ago which was followed by what the BBC described as a "chill'' in the relations between London and Moscow. His current visit was seen as marking a new beginning in bilateral ties.

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