Russia appreciates West's change of heart on Chechnya - security chiefMoscow, 22 November: Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir
Rushaylo told journalists on Thursday [22 November] that no accords similar to the "Khasavyurt agreements" should be expected from the current contacts between the federal authorities and a rebel representative.
"The only issue currently being discussed is the disarmament of the
rebels and the termination of combat operations against the federal forces," he told an Interfax correspondent.
He pointed out that the federal grouping in Chechnya should be informed
of
this position.
"Russian law-enforcement officials must explain to those who serve in
Chechnya what is going on and what their role in combating terrorists
is,"
Rushaylo said.
"The rebels and mercenaries fighting in Chechnya now find it extremely
difficult to complain to the international community about the federal
authorities' illegal actions. I must say that the leaders of very many
countries have changed their attitude to the developments in Chechnya,
especially after the world realized the importance of combating
international
terrorism," Rushaylo said.
He said practically no-one is talking about the inadequacy of the use
of
force by the federal forces in Chechnya, or consider rebels to be
freedom
fighters.
"Many are departing from double standards in assessing the terrorists.
It is
a serious change which we assess very positively," said Rushaylo.
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