Exiled Chechen leader ready for constructive dialogue

Akhmed Zakayev, a Chechen separatist envoy residing in London, has officially recognized Chechnya’s new authorities as legitimate and is ready to cooperate with them, Lenta.ru website reports citing a statement he made during an interview with the BBC Russian Service.

“Disregarding reality is not just a demonstration of political ignorance, it is harmful for each and all,” the prominent separatist figure claims.  According to Zakayev, Russian appointed president Ramzan Kadyrov has been entrusted with leading the country and is presently enjoying the support of the nation. “Whether or not we recognize each other does not change anything,“ he added.

Zakayev’s announcement came after two days of talks in Oslo with the speaker of Chechnya's parliament, Dukvakha Abdurakhmanov.   

The two sides "discussed political issues being solved not by force but by political means,” Mr Abdurakhmanov is reported as saying, adding that the talks had centred on "the total political stabilisation of the Chechen Republic and the final consolidation of Chechen society".

"I would like to express delight that this has taken place," Zakayev is quoted by journalists as admitting. "I'm strongly convinced every Chechen person should be well aware of the processes taking place, and should take part in them."

Norwegian mediator Ivar Amundsen, the director of the human rights group, Chechnya Peace Forum, said it was the first time there had been "a serious political dialogue between the Russian-installed regime in Chechnya and the government-in-exile".

Six months ago, Mr Kadyrov declared that political normalisation could not be achieved without the involvement of Mr Zakayev.

He repeated the offer of reconciliation last month, telling Russian television that there would be no point in imprisoning him and that he would like the former actor to play a role in reviving Chechen culture.

When asked on Friday if he would take the offer up , Mr Zakayev told BBC Russian, "I will definitely return to the Chechen Republic and there are no conditions that I would impose on this."

Zakayev, 53, fought Russia as a senior rebel commander in two wars with Moscow in 1994-2000. After Russia regained control of the province, he fled to Europe and acted as an official rebel envoy until 2007.

Russia seeks the extradition of Zakayev, who now lives in London, for 13 alleged crimes including kidnapping and murder. But his extradition request was rejected by a British court in 2003 causing a diplomatic row.

Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said earlier this month that he would welcome Zakayev's return and possibly offer him a job in the regional culture ministry. But there were no indications Russia was ready to drop charges against him