Kabul residents react to presence of Russians in city.

(4 Dec 2001) 1. Various of old Russian embassy 2. Various of Russians walking around hospital 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Abdullah Abdullah, Northern Alliance Foreign Minister: "Of course Russia, as a mayor country in this region, will have its role in the upcoming events. As far the relations are concerned, I think it should be political, commercial and cultural, as you mentioned in all aspects." 4. Various of Russian security personnel at hospital 5. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Voxpop: "If they attack our country and kill our people like before, then we are against them." 6. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Professor Arif, Kabul University: "We have an obligation to respect the criteria of the international community. Russia and other countries are linked to Afghanistan's history, they should respect the next government and work for their benefit and have a good relations." 7. Various of Russians in hospital 8. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Voxpop: "For Russia, for American, for all country , we just want your help." 9. Various of refugees compound (former Russian housing unit) 10. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Hami Dullah, Villagers' spokesperson: "If Russia or other humanitarian countries want to rebuilt our houses we will move immediately." 11. Various of the refugees compound STORYLINE: It's been decades since the Afghan-Soviet war, but Afghans appear to not harbour any particular resentment towards their former enemies as Russia joins the international aid effort. However, there are still a few people with bad memories. Some 400 families are now living at the Russian compound in Kabul, who for the most came from Shamoli, a damaged area at the front line between the Taliban and Northern Alliance. The Afghan government still has not come up with a plan to accommodate the refugees. The Russians arrived on Monday to start building a field hospital, creating curiosity in the Afghan community. This time Russia's purpose is more benevolent - 80 medical personnel have been sent to train and equip Afghans to deal with emergency health situations. They expect to treat mine victims, gunshot victims, and victims of other nature as a result of the destruction of Kabul. Russians hope to build new diplomatic relations with the current government as their relation with the Taliban was very poor. Russia still has much influence over the Central Asian Republic North of Afghanistan, such as Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...