US offers security assistance to Russia for Winter Olympics

WASHINGTON: The US has offered security assistance to Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, in view of the two bombings in the country just before New Year.

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel made the offer yesterday during a telephone call to his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu, Pentagon spokesperson Rear Admiral John Kirby said.

Discussing recent events in Russia, Hagel offered his condolences for the recent terrorist attacks in Volgograd.

"The secretary condemned the attacks and said the United States stands with the Russian people against terrorism," Kirby said.

"Secretary Hagel also assured Minister Shoygu that the US stands ready to provide security assistance to Russia for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, if requested," he said.

Hagel's phone call followed dual bombings which left 34 people dead in the southern Russian city of Volgograd.

The Olympics from February 7 to 23 will be held in Sochi, a city some 700 kilometers southwest of Volgograd.

The two leaders discussed the need to remain vigilant against these threats and considered additional opportunities to deepen our nations? counterterrorism cooperation, he said.

Kirby said the two leaders also discussed the international community's efforts to remove Syria?s chemical weapons stockpile, and the importance of Syria fulfilling its obligations under the agreed plan.