Abdurakhmanov: Zakaev can return to Chechnya

Ahmed Zakaev, former emissary of Chechen separatists, now living in Great Britain, in future can return to Russia, as the forthcoming congress of the Chechen people will suggest Russian law enforcers to give up his prosecution; this was stated by Dukvakha Abdurakhmanov, speaker of the parliament of Chechnya.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Abdurakhmanov and Zakaev promised to make, on July 24, a joint statement on results of their negotiations. Mr Abdurakhmanov said after the meeting that Zakaev would "find his place" in Chechnya's revival and development process.

The "Interfax" writes referring to Abdurakhmanov that he had understood from his conversations with Zakaev that the latter had always been in Chechnya in his soul and that he had never lost hopes one day to come back to his homeland.

"Of course, we look optimistically; however, we never highlight the question: 'Will you return or not?' It's his personal business," Dukvakha Abdurakhmanov has noted.

He has added that the authorities of the republic would like "Zakaev to get engaged in culture - he is a good actor." At the same time, the speaker has emphasized that the issue of Mr Zakaev's activities in case he returns home is not quite ethical. However, he is sure that the emissary's return to Chechnya is just a matter of time, as reported by the "Vesti.kz".

Besides, as the "Echo Moskvy" Radio confirms, by quoting Abdurakhmanov, the congress of the Chechen people will suggest that Russian law enforcers stop persecuting Ahmed Zakaev.