Grozny, 30 April 1997 (RFE/RL) - Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov has offered to create a joint commission with Russia to investigate Monday's fatal train station bombing in the Russian city of Pyatigorsk.
Itar-Tass says Maskhadov made the offer in Grozny during talks with visiting Russian Security Council head Ivan Rybkin. Rybkin, who arrived in Grozny this morning with his deputy Boris Berezovsky, has reportedly agreed to the proposal. The explosion killed two people, injured 20, and caused extensive material damage.
The Russian Interior Ministry and Federal Security Service (FSB) continue to blame Chechen terrorists for the blast. The Chechen government has vigorously denied any responsibility. And in a swipe at Russian Interior Minister Anatoly Kulikov, Rybkin said today that no one, "however high their position, and however many stars they have on their shoulders," has a right to make political statements aimed at wrecking the peace process.
Itar-Tass says Maskhadov made the offer in Grozny during talks with visiting Russian Security Council head Ivan Rybkin. Rybkin, who arrived in Grozny this morning with his deputy Boris Berezovsky, has reportedly agreed to the proposal. The explosion killed two people, injured 20, and caused extensive material damage.
The Russian Interior Ministry and Federal Security Service (FSB) continue to blame Chechen terrorists for the blast. The Chechen government has vigorously denied any responsibility. And in a swipe at Russian Interior Minister Anatoly Kulikov, Rybkin said today that no one, "however high their position, and however many stars they have on their shoulders," has a right to make political statements aimed at wrecking the peace process.