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November 15, 2006

Disbanded Chechen Unit Lays Down Arms

Chechen Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov (file photo) (ITAR-TASS)

November 15, 2006 -- Russian media reports say soldiers from a disbanded elite Chechen unit have laid down their arms after Chechen President Alu Alkhanov promised they would not be arrested.

Members of the Goretz unit have been unable to leave their base near Grozny for several months by forces loyal to Prime Minister Ramzan Kadyrov.


The Goretz unit was formally disbanded earlier this year and its members were to have been reassigned. The unit has been involved in a number of showdowns with Kadyrov's forces.


The unit's former commander, Movladi Baisarov, is wanted by Chechen authorities on suspicion of kidnapping and murder. Baisarov, who is believed to be in Moscow, says he is being persecuted by Kadyrov because he refused to serve under him.


(newsru.com, lenta.ru)


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