11:23, 24 March 2004

Aslan Maskhadov to decide on destiny of Russian captive soldiers

Information on the group of Russian soldiers who were taken prisoners by rebels in the mountains of Chechnya's Itum-Kale district on March 14 was first published on the website of Chechen separatists Ichkeria. The website referred to a source at the Chechen command.

As reported by the website, the Chechen military command decided to be indulgent with respect to the Russian soldiers proceeding from the fact that they did not put up armed resistance and gave frank evidence, which let the prisoners hope they will be released.

According to the source at the Chechen military command, the leader of Chechen separatists, Aslan Maskhadov, will decide on the further destiny of the servicemen.

Meanwhile, the Russian prisoners of war ask not to announce their names for the time present. They explain their request by saying their families can be subjected to repressions on the part of the Federal Security Service (FSB), reported the website.

The Russian air force and artillery are striking at the places of the Russian captives' possible location, reported the source.

Editors note: See also the article "Nine Russian servicemen taken prisoners in Chechnya".

Source: Ekho Moskvy Radio