Senior U.S. Official Slams Kremlin Clampdown On Regions

RIGA, Sept 14 (AFP) - A senior US official slammed on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to bolster the Kremlin's control over regions following the recent spate of terrorist attacks as a "step back" for democracy.
"It is a step back from the road we hoped Russia will take to the direction of bigger transparency and democracy," said US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage after a meeting in Riga with Latvian Prime Minister Indulis Emsis.
With attacks against civilians killing over 400 people in the past month, Putin on Monday stepped up Kremlin control over Russia's regions and called for moves to improve security in the north Caucasus.
In their meeting Armitage and Emsis discussed regional security, with the US official thanking Latvia for its participation in peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, said an adviser to the Latvian prime minister.
Armitage did not request NATO-member Latvia increase the number of troops it has in Iraq from the 133 currently stationed there, said the adviser, Andris Razans.