Russian President Vladimir Putin urged tough resistance to religious extremism in Syria, Libya and other countries, but also called for respecting people’s religious sentiments.
“We consider it necessary to increase joint efforts to counter terrorist threats and extremism wherever it may be – in Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan,” he said during a meeting with foreign ambassadors. “Double standards do not belong here.”
He added: “Terrorists need to be given a hard and unanimous rebuff, but only while respecting the cultural values and religious feelings of the people.”
Putin also seemed to hoist Russia as an example of multiethnic and multi-religious harmony, saying that Russian history “shows no alternative than to preserve civil peace and harmony in society.”