03 March 2005, 23:55
Strasbourg challenged with alternative Grozny forum
Chechnya's authorities who strongly criticise the forum on Chechnya to be held in Strasbourg on 21 March because of the involvement in it of Aslan Maskhadov's representatives intend to host a similar round table discussion in Grozny, a Chechen government official said. The discussion involving all social and political movements, clergymen, and representatives of various Russian regions, North Caucasus republics and international organizations is scheduled for the first half of March.
"The Chechen leadership take an unambiguous stand concerning the round table in Strasbourg. The situation in Chechnya should be discussed here, in the republic, and not beyond. As for the possible talks with Maskhadov and Basayev, they can have one format only - about their giving themselves up," the interlocutor said.
Author: Sultan Abubakarov, CK correspondent
