    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 24, 2002]
    [Pages 874-876]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V.
    Putin on Counterterrorism Cooperation
    May 24, 2002

        Reaffirming our commitment expressed on October 21, 2001 to fight
    terrorism in all its forms wherever it may occur, we commend the efforts
    of the worldwide coalition against terrorism since the tragic events of
    September 11, 2001. The member nations of the coalition must continue
    their concerted action to deny safe haven to terrorists; to destroy
    their financial, logistical, communications, and other operational
    networks; and to bring terrorists to justice. We note with satisfaction
    that U.S.-Russia counterterrorism cooperation is making an important
    contribution to the global coalition against terrorism.

    [[Page 875]]

        A successful campaign against terrorism must be conducted by nations
    through bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation, and requires
    a multifaceted approach that employs law enforcement, intelligence,
    diplomatic, political, and economic actions. We stress that initiatives
    against terrorism must be conducted in an atmosphere of rule of law and
    with respect for universal human rights.
        Recognizing the importance of multilateral counterterrorism efforts,
    such as those under the auspices of the United Nations, the Group of
    Eight, the European Union, the OSCE, the ``Six Plus Two'' group, and
    NATO-Russia, we encourage the further development of regional
    counterterrorism initiatives, including within the framework of the
    Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its cooperation with the United
    States, that improve information-sharing, law enforcement cooperation,
    and border security. Of these institutions, we note that the UN Security
    Council Counterterrorism Committee plays a key coordinating role in the
    struggle against international terrorism. In support of regional
    cooperation, the United States is sponsoring a counterterrorism
    conference in June 2002 to include participation from the Central Asian
    and Caucasus states, Afghanistan, Turkey, China, and Russia.
        We call upon all nations to implement fully the provisions of UN
    Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1368, 1373, 1377 and
    1390, directed against terrorism, the Taliban, and al-Qaida, and to
    become parties at the earliest opportunity to the twelve international
    antiterrorism conventions, including the Convention for the Suppression
    of the Financing of Terrorism. The United States supports conclusion of
    the Russian-proposed nuclear terrorism convention, and joins Russia in
    urging other nations to enlist in the efforts to resolve the outstanding
    issues related to the text. We call upon all nations to take steps to
    comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on
    money laundering and terrorist financing. We shall work to block the
    financial assets of named terrorists and their organizations without
    delay.
        We underscore the need to bring to a logical conclusion efforts to
    eliminate the terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan related to Usama
    Bin Laden, the al-Qaida organization, and
    the Taliban. Afghanistan should never again be a haven for terrorism.
    Reaffirming our support for the important role of the UN in efforts to
    implement successfully the Bonn Agreement, including the upcoming Loya
    Jirga, we share a vision of a stable, independent Afghanistan at peace
    with its neighbors and the rest of the world and on the road to a more
    prosperous future.
        We recognize the links between illegal drug trafficking and
    terrorism and stress the importance of U.S.-Russia cooperation on
    counternarcotics. Both our countries are dedicated to continuing their
    support for regional initiatives, such as those of the ``Six Plus Two''
    Working Group on Drugs, to encourage cooperation among member countries
    and to strengthen their counternarcotics capabilities. We both strongly
    support the Afghan Interim Authority's plan to implement its poppy ban.
        Believing that the sovereignty, long-term stability, prosperity, and
    further democratic development of the states of Central Asia serve the
    strategic interests of the United States and Russia, we pledge
    transparency and cooperation in our relations with the states of Central
    Asia. An important step for ensuring their security is to eradicate
    terrorist activities in Afghanistan once and for all and to assist in
    the prevention of their reoccurrence.
        We reaffirm our commitment to working with the Government of Georgia
    on counterterrorism issues, while upholding Georgian sovereignty, and
    hope that the presence of terrorists in this country will be eliminated.
    As members of the Friends of the UN Secretary-General on Georgia,

    [[Page 876]]

    the United States and Russia remain committed to advancing a peaceful,
    political resolution of the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We
    pledge to work closely with all relevant parties to these conflicts to
    reduce military tensions, address civilians' security concerns, and
    foster a lasting political settlement that preserves Georgia's
    territorial integrity and protects the rights of all of those involved
    in the conflicts. We highly appreciate the contribution of the UN
    Security Council, concerned states, and international mechanisms which
    participate in peaceful efforts toward resolution of these conflicts.
        We note with satisfaction the entry into force of the Treaty on
    Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the United States of
    America and the Russian Federation, which will facilitate joint efforts
    on criminal and terrorist cases.
        We will work to strengthen the exchange of professional know-how and
    experience in such areas as transportation security, hostage takeover,
    and airplane hijacking, among others.
        We will work to strengthen national, bilateral, and multilateral
    measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
    related technologies, and delivery means as an essential element of the
    fight against international terrorism and all those who support it.
        An important step in our joint cooperation will be a meeting of our
    scientists in June. We will seek to develop jointly new technology to
    detect nuclear material that can be used to manufacture weapons for
    purposes of terrorism.
        The U.S.-Russia Working Group on Afghanistan has proven a successful
    vehicle for joint efforts between the United States and Russia to
    counter terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Recognizing the increased
    threat of terrorism originating in other regions of the world, we have
    directed that the Working Group's agenda be broadened, and that it be
    renamed the U.S.-Russia Working Group on Counterterrorism. Among other
    issues, this Working Group will address the threats posed by nuclear,
    biological, and chemical terrorism. The next meeting of the Working
    Group will take place in the Washington area in July 2002.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.