Russia to introduce 'colour-coded' terrorist threat system: FSB

Moscow, Mar 12 (UNI) Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB-former KGB) General Nikolai Patrushev today said Russia would soon introduce a ''colour-coded'' system of terrorist threat levels.

Gen Patrushev said at a meeting of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee (NCC) that the system would be similar to the one introduced in the US after the 2001, 9/11 terrorist attacks.

He also said a special crisis centre would be set up within the Russian Foreign Ministry to protect Russian nationals and organisations abroad.

Russia's government also approved a counter-terrorism programme for 2009-2012 at the meeting.

''This year, the NCC will remain focused on reducing the terrorist threat,'' Gen Patrushev said, adding ''Russia was taking steps to counter terrorist ideology and eliminate terrorist groups in the north Caucasus region.'' The last major terrorist attack to take place in Russia was the September 2004 Beslan school siege, which left 333 people dead, including 186 children.

The raid was carried out by forces loyal to the notorious Chechen militant Shamil Basayev, who was later killed by Russian troops in July 2006.

Gen Patrushev said several terrorist attacks had been prevented during Russia's March 2 presidential elections. He, however, did not give any details of these planned attacks.

UNI XC PD ND1922