NATO: Russia could help in Afghanistan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 8 (UPI) -- Russia could play an important part in assisting the NATO mission in Afghanistan, the special NATO representative to the South Caucasus said Saturday.

The Russian contribution would include a joint training center and the use of Russian equipment to train troops for Afghanistan, the Interfax news agency reported. Robert Simmons, speaking at a news conference in Azerbaijan, said Russia also could help deliver supplies and equipment to Afghanistan.

Simmons said he has held preliminary discussions with Russian leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who steps down May 7 to become prime minister, is expected to attend a NATO summit in April.