Putin warns against double standards in fighting terrorism, extremism

MOSCOW - Moscow stood against double standards in dealing with extremism and terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

Terrorists deserve tough treatment, Putin said, adding that, in fighting terrorists, the cultural values and religious feelings of peoples should be respected.

"It is necessary to mount joint efforts to counter terrorism threats and extremism wherever they occur - in Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan," Putin told a meeting with foreign ambassadors, adding double standards should not be applied.

Meanwhile, Russia strongly opposed violent approaches toward "regime change" in hot spots around the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, Putin said.

Inciting violence with the aim of toppling governments could only lead to stalemates, as the vicious circle of "violence breeds violence" could never end, Putin said.