"If international terrorists achieve success [Mr. Bush's election failure], they will celebrate victory over America and the entire anti-terrorism coalition, and therefore may invigorate their activities," the president said at a press conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
"You said armed attacks in Iraq could influence the outcome of presidential elections in the United States. However, Mr. Kerry [presidential contender] is resorting to the US troops' casualty toll figures in Iraq quite frequently in his campaign. I believe this only encourages international terrorists. Would you comment on this?" a Russian journalist asked Mr. Putin.
"We will have respect for whatever choice of the American people will be. I would not like to worsen relations with any of the candidates. I would rather not answer your question," said Mr. Putin.
Mr. Putin noted that Russia had been opposed to the military invasion of Iraq and President Bush and himself still had differences on the matter. "All I can say will be an opinion of a man from the other camp," said Mr. Putin.
However, Mr. Putin said any unbiased observer would agree that international terrorist organizations had intensified activities in Iraq aiming them against President Bush, rather than the international coalition forces.
"International terrorism is pursuing the goal of inflicting the biggest possible damage on President Bush, preventing him from being re-elected for the second term," said Mr. Putin.
