Russia To 'Support' U.S. Peace Effort In Afghanistan

Italy -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at press conference following Russian-Italian intergovernmental consultations, Rome, 03Dec2009

ROME (Reuters) -- Russia is willing to do its part to help the United States and Europe achieve peace in Afghanistan, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said.

"We are obliged to help in Afghanistan...[and] we are ready to support the efforts of our partners.... [T]here will be a contribution from us," Medvedev told a news conference in Rome.

He said Russia was willing to help Afghanistan in its efforts to transform its economy, its military and its police forces, without giving details.