In response to the question whether Russia intended to prosecute terrorist including those on the territory of NATO states, the minister emphasized: "First of all, we hope that NATO states will not tolerate any real activities towards preparing terrorist attacks against whoever it may be on their territory".
"Secondly, NATO states and Russia are partners in combating terrorism and we have an appropriate mechanism Russia-NATO Council, where decisions are taken collectively", he added.
"Thirdly, in full compliance with the international law, each state has the right for self-defense against attacks. And terrorists commit such attacks against sovereign states", as it was the case in Beslan and on 9/11 in the USA, the minister pointed out.
According to Mr. Lavrov, "the UN Security Council resolution confirms the right of each state, laid down in the UN Charter, to respond in force to armed attacks. The international law provides for retaining this right for self-defense, while the threat of attack remains".
"We are aware of the fact that Russia is constantly being threatened by personalities like Maskhadov (leader of the Chechen separatists), who states that terrorist attacks will continue. Russia's special services exchange information with their counterparts abroad in Europe and America. We know
which of our counterparts have the information as to what terrorist bases exist and where and who has anything to do with the already committed terrorist attacks", the minister pointed out.
"Our strategy is based on the international law and on the universal practice developed on the basis of this international law", added Mr. Lavrov.
