Russian envoy urges Washington to avoid civilian casualties

Associated Press WriterASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) -- A Russian envoy on a tour across Central Asian nations bordering Afghanistan urged the United States on Friday to make sure its military doesn't harm civilians while striking terrorist bases.

The Kremlin has pledged to cooperate with the United States in fighting terrorism, but has objected to U.S. forces using former Soviet republics in Central Asia to stage strikes on the bases of Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.

Bin Laden has been named by the Bush administration as the top suspect in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"Innocent people mustn't suffer in any military actions connected with the investigation of the terrorist attacks on the United States," Vladimir Rushailo, the secretary of Russia's presidential Security Council, said after meeting with Turkmenistan's President Saparmurat Niyazov. "The reaction should be precise and in the framework of international law."

Russia and the Central Asian states' secular leaders have been concerned that U.S. strikes on Afghanistan could further rock the volatile region and trigger a flow of refugees that would drain the region's already scarce finances.

Rushailo, sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a tour of consultations with Central Asian leaders, said at a news conference that he and the Turkmen president had discussed how to strengthen regional security and joint responses to terrorist activities. He did not elaborate.

Also Friday, Putin discussed ways to coordinate action against terrorism in a telephone conversation with Kazakstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Nazarbayev also spoke about regional security with the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Three ex-Soviet republics in Central Asia -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan -- border Afghanistan and could serve as a convenient platform for strikes against bin Laden.

Uzbekistan has indicated that it may consider providing its bases to the U.S. military, but Uzbek officials have denied reports that U.S. aircraft were already moving into their country.

Tajikistan backed off from an offer to consider letting U.S. troops in after Russia made it clear it wouldn't welcome such a move. Russia commands 25,000 troops in Tajikistan in a bid to stem the flow of drugs and militants from Afghanistan.

Turkmenistan has not said how it would act if the United States asks for military help.