 Abkhazia's authorities have denied rumors that Chechen extremist leader Shamil Basayev or any other members of illegal armed groups are in Abkhazia. "Shamil Basayev is not in Abkhazia, and neither are any other representatives" of the Chechen extremists, Abkhaz Vice President Raul Khajimba told a press conference in Moscow. "If anyone would like to see for themselves, they are welcome," Khajimba added. Abkhaz President Sergei Bagapsh confirmed this statement. Stories about Basayev hiding in Abkhazia are "old rumors," he said. "We know who is spreading them and why," Bagapsh said. |