Summary of the main news related to the conflict in Chechnya. Compiled by Prague Watchdog.
Monday, September 23
Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze invited Russian "unarmed military observers" to the Pankisi gorge where an "anti-criminal operation" has been underway since August 25.
Tuesday, September 24
Sulumbek Tashtamirov, the chairman of Chechen human rights organization Sintar, went on a hunger strike, demanding from the Russian leadership security for President Aslan Maskhadov and deputies of the Parliament of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, who were elected on January 27, 1997. In Tashtamirov's view, these are the conditions for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Chechnya.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe discussed the latest report on Chechnya by Rapporteur of the Political Affairs Committee Lord Judd but did not adopt any recommendation or resolution.
Wednesday, September 25
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in its recommendation 1580 (2002) called on Russia to refrain from any action or declarations which might interfere in the internal affairs of Georgia or violate the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia. PACE also called on Georgia to take the necessary measures to ensure the rule of law on all parts of its territory, including the Pankisi gorge.
Thursday, September 26
Some 150-200 Chechen fighters led by Chechen field commander Ruslan (alias Khamzat) Gelayev who came to Ingushetia via North Osetia clashed with the Russian military in and around the Ingush town of Galashki, located near the border with North Osetia. British journalist R. J. Scott, who came with the Chechen fighters from Georgia, and a local Ingush woman died in the battle. The Russian military said that along with a helicopter it lost 17 soldiers, the Chechen side said that its casualties numbered 11 men (6 fighters killed and 5 missing in action) but neither of the two figures can be verified from independent sources.
Numerous Chechen organizations and groups which supported the requirements raised on September 24 by Chechen human rights activist Sulumbek Tashtamirov created political coalition "National Unity". They also appealed to Chechen spiritual and religious leaders and Ingush President Murat Zyazikov to support Tashtamirov's requirements.
Friday, September 27
Traffic between Ingushetia and Chechnya as well as in Chechnya itself was suspended, following the battle in and around the Ingush town of Galashki on September 26.
Saturday, September 28
Russian media reported that Foreign Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Ilyas Akhmadov asked the US authorities to grant him political asylum. However, Ichkerian Vice-Premier Akhmed Zakayev in an interview for Chechenpress on September 30 said that the "allegations about Akhmadov's resignation are greatly exaggerated".
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