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Russia to Perform Tests to Confirm Chechen Separatist Leader Was
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Killed
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C180D3:2AB91D3

Russian military spokesman says Aslan Maskhadov killed in Chechen
village of Tolstoi-Yurt





Aslan Maskhadov (1997 file photo)

The Russian Prosecutor General's office is expected to carry out tests
in Chechnya Wednesday to confirm Chechen Separatist leader Aslan
Maskhadov's reported death.

Russia's Prosecutor General says forensic tests due Wednesday on the
body of a man shown on Russian television in a pool of blood could
confirm whether it it is that of Mr. Maskhadov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said if the wanted fugitive's
death is confirmed, those who participated in the Special Forces
operation in which Mr. Maskhadov was reportedly killed will be
decorated with medals.

In a statement broadcast on Russian television, President Putin also
said that much more work needs to be done to stabilize Chechnya.

Russian officials have blamed Mr. Maskhadov for numerous terrorist
attacks from last year's Beslan school massacre to the Dubrovka
theater hostage crisis.

Russia had offered a $10 million reward for information that would
lead to Mr. Maskhadov's capture.


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