Chechen Separatists Urge Release Of Russian Diplomats
Chechnya -- Zakayev, Akhmed x Akhmed Zakayev (file photo) (CTK) June 20, 2006 -- Chechen separatists have denied any contacts with an Al-Qaeda-linked group in Iraq that said it has abducted four Russian diplomats, demanding that Russia pull its troops out of Chechnya.
Akhmed Zakayev, the exiled foreign minister in the self-declared Chechen separatist government, demanded that the Mujahedin Shura Council release the four Russian Embassy employees without any conditions.
In a statement posted on a separatist website, Zakayev also said the Al-Qaeda-linked group's statement looked like an attempt to blacken the name of the Chechen rebel movement and a "provocation by Russian special services."
Russia's Foreign Ministry said it had not received any demands directly, but was actively trying to establish the authenticity of the reports.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov demanded that whoever was holding the four Russians release them immediately and unharmed, urging them not to forget that Russia was a "true friend of the Iraqi people."
Acknowledgement: All available information and documents in "Justice For North Caucasus Group" is provided for the "fair use". There should be no intention for ill-usage of any sort of any published item for commercial purposes and in any way or form. JFNC is a nonprofit group and has no intentions for the distribution of information for commercial or advantageous gain. At the same time consideration is ascertained that all different visions, beliefs, presentations and opinions will be presented to visitors and readers of all message boards of this site. Providing, furnishing, posting and publishing the information of all sources is considered a right to freedom of opinion, speech, expression, and information while at the same time does not necessarily reflect, represent, constitute, or comprise the stand or the opinion of this group. If you have any concerns contact us directly at:
eagle@JusticeForNorthCaucasus.com