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Chechen Minister Confirms Basaev Back In Government

30 August 2005 -- A senior Chechen rebel representative confirmed today that Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basaev has rejoined the separatists' government.

Osman Ferzaouli, foreign minister for the rebels, was quoted by AP as saying Basaev rejoined the rebel government as deputy prime minister on 25 August.

Ferzaouli, who lives in Denmark as a refugee, said Basaev "has promised to be more responsible."

Basaev has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks, including the deadly school seizure in the North Ossetian town of Beslan. More than 330 people died -- most of them children -- when the three-day hostage situation in Beslan ended in explosions and shootings on 3 September.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to negotiate with the rebels, calling them terrorists.

(AP/AFP)

Copyright (c) 2005. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org