Russia not interested in tensions between West, Islamic world – Putin

(Interfax – Ufa, October 22, 2013) The voice of Russian Muslim figures should be heard better both on the international arena and in the international Islamic community, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

“Tensions between the West and the Islamic world are increasing today. And someone is trying to gamble on this theme by adding firewood to this fire. We are not interested in this,” Putin said at a meeting with the muftis of Muslim boards in Ufa on Tuesday.

At the same time, “the need for Russian presence” is growing both in the Middle East and in the Islamic world in general, he said.

“We should act more vigorously and debunk projects for manipulating countries and peoples, information, and public opinion, which are pernicious for humankind,” he said.

Not only Russia is not interested in splitting or “revamping the Islamic world” but, on the contrary, it is pursuing a consistent and firm line of strengthening its unity, Putin said.