Germany hints at softer line on ChechnyaBERLIN, Sept 25 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder hinted on Tuesday that the West would take a softer line towards Russia over its separatist Chechnya region after Moscow offered support in the international struggle against terrorism. "
As regards Chechnya there will be and must be a more differentiated evaluation in world opinion," Schroeder told a joint press conference after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Berlin.
The German leader did not detail what he meant by "differentiated evaluation", but the statement marked a change from persistent Western criticism of Moscow's military engagement in the region which the Kremlin says is aimed against Chechen "terrorists."
Schroeder's remarks follow announcement on Monday that Russia would help arm Afghanistan's Northern Alliance opposition.
The United States sees Saudi-born Muslim militant Osama bin Laden, believed to be in hiding in Afghanistan, as its prime suspect in the attacks and is in the throes of a major military build-up focused on Afghanistan.
Schroeder praised Putin for his offers of help -- which a Kremlin spokesman said would mean formerly covert aid for the Northern Alliance would now become open support. The Northern Alliance is fighting the Taliban government in Afghanistan which Moscow says has supported rebels in Chechnya.
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