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Putin sends envoy to Chechnya

The fighting has devastated Chechnya
The fighting has devastated Chechnya  


MOSCOW, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent an envoy to Chechnya as part of his 72-hour ultimatum to rebels over ending conflict in the region.

Putin said on Monday that the rebels had 72 hours to initiate talks on disarmament -- but did not say what would happen if the deadline passed without developments.

The Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday that Viktor Kazantsev, the Kremlin's envoy in southern Russia, would travel to Chechnya to oversee the operation.

Putin says the war in Chechnya is part of the same "international terrorism" as the attacks on the U.S.

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Q&A: Putin and terrorism  
 

Kazantsev was quoted by Interfax as saying "events in Chechnya cannot be seen as separate from the world community's struggle against international terrorism.

"The annihilation of bandit groups on the territory of Chechnya will be Russia's contribution to the fight against international terrorism and religious extremism."

Kazantsev said the Russian president had taken the "humane step" of offering Chechens the chance to surrender voluntarily.

"Today the possibility is again being granted to put an end to this war, which has been tiresome for everyone, and enter into a life of peace. Time is already ticking," he said.

Putin said in a television address on Monday: "I suggest members of all illegal armed formations and those who call themselves political actors immediately sever contacts with international terrorists and their organisations.

"In the next 72 hours they should approach official representatives of federal bodies to discuss the following questions: a method of disarming illegal formations and groups and a way to include them in civilian life in Chechnya."



 
 
 
 


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