Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko on Wednesday welcomed the US decision to blacklist a Saudi Arabian charity foundation for its affiliation with Chechen terrorists.

"The Russia government was satisfied with the US action for the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation has close relations with Al Qaeda terror network and it also financed the Chechen terrorists," said the spokesman.

The US decision shows the Bush administration has moved a big step forward in cooperating with Russia in the fight against terrorism, Yakovenko added.

The US Treasury Department last Thursday froze the assets and property of the Saudi charity, accusing the group of financing terrorist activities, tax evasion and money laundering.

The Treasury also accused the foundation of diverting donations meant to help refugees in Chechenya to the Mujahideen (jihad fighters) and Chechen leaders affiliated with Al Qaeda Enditem

Source: Xinhua