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Russia appreciates West's change of heart on Chechnya - security chief
Interfax

Moscow, 22 November: Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushaylo told journalists on Thursday [22 November] that no accords similar to the "Khasavyurt agreements" should be expected from the current contacts between the federal authorities and a rebel representative.

"The only issue currently being discussed is the disarmament of the rebels and the termination of combat operations against the federal forces," he told an Interfax correspondent.

He pointed out that the federal grouping in Chechnya should be informed of this position.

"Russian law-enforcement officials must explain to those who serve in Chechnya what is going on and what their role in combating terrorists is," Rushaylo said.

"The rebels and mercenaries fighting in Chechnya now find it extremely difficult to complain to the international community about the federal authorities' illegal actions. I must say that the leaders of very many countries have changed their attitude to the developments in Chechnya, especially after the world realized the importance of combating international terrorism," Rushaylo said.

He said practically no-one is talking about the inadequacy of the use of force by the federal forces in Chechnya, or consider rebels to be freedom fighters.

"Many are departing from double standards in assessing the terrorists. It is a serious change which we assess very positively," said Rushaylo.

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