Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov said Wednesday that he has been negotiating with rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov, telling him to surrender and give up the separatist fight, Russian news agencies reported. Kadyrov also repeated that he would request a pardon for Maskhadov - a fugitive accused of terrorism by Moscow - if the separatist former Chechen president surrenders to him personally. "I told him the only way for him to survive is to come voluntarily, bow down low and beg from his soul for the forgiveness of his people," Kadyrov told journalists in the Chechen city of Gudermes. Kadyrov said he was speaking with Maskhadov by phone, Itar-Tass reported. However, in comments shown on national television, Kadyrov said his dialogue with Maskhadov had been conducted through the media. Interfax said Kadyrov denied he had spoken by phone with Maskhadov in recent years. Kadyrov said he believes Maskhadov will not surrender while influential rebel warlord Shamil Basayev is alive.
| Mainly because Shamil would kill him... |
Kadyrov has been boasting of Maskhadov's weakening position following some rebel surrenders, claiming it points to increasing stability in Chechnya. President Vladimir Putin has ruled out peace talks with Maskhadov and the rebel leader is wanted by federal law enforcement agencies. |