UN Human Rights Chief Opens Week-Long Russia Visit

Arbour's visit is scheduled to include a tour of Russia's troubled northern Caucasus region. She is expected to travel on 20 February to the republic of Ingushetia, on 21 February to Chechnya, and on 22 February to Beslan in North Ossetia, the site of the September 2004 school hostage-taking raid by Chechen-linked militants.

Arbour is scheduled to return to Moscow for talks on 23 February with President Vladimir Putin and other officials. She is also expected to visit St. Petersburg.

(with material from ITAR-TASS)