European Commission doubts presidential elections in Chechnya were free and fair

However the leaders of the European Union stress they will support all arrangements that may contribute to the restoration of peace in Chechnya. Diego d'Ojeda, a spokesman for the European Commission, underlined one could speak about the successful elections if there would be a success in finding a political decision that would suit the majority of the Chechen population. OSCE Chairman-in-Office, future NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer also appeared yesterday with criticism against the elections in Chechnya. He said the voters had no real choice.