If the terrorist chieftain is really dead, the Chechen situation will surely improve, the President replied to a reporter who asked him how Basayev's assumed death might influence developments in the republic.
"Anyway, be Basayev dead or alive, the Chechen people has determined its destiny and will carry on peaceful creative efforts," pointed out Mr. Alkhanov.
As for prospects for talks with rank-and-file bandits, they have a chance to get back to peaceful pursuits, he added. "We are eager to do all we can to get them back to normal life." The President said he hoped the rebels would contact republican authorities of their own free will.
Relations of separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov have been kidnapped in Chechnya, and detection is on. The audience asked President Alkhanov about its progress.
He replied it was too early now to make whatever conjectures. "Law enforcement bodies are checking their facts, and I think they will eventually come up with information."
