Russia Says Europe Playing 'Double Game' On Chechnya

8 October 2004 -- Russia's chief representative at the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe today said that some member states are playing a "double game" in the fight against terror.

Konstantin Kosachev was reacting to criticism aired yesterday during a debate on Chechnya held at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Some speakers accused Russia of gross human rights violations in its separatist republic.

Kosachev also blamed Lithuania for allegedly authorizing a Chechen separatist website to resume operation.

Following the Beslan hostage crisis, Lithuanian authorities last month ordered the Kavkaz Center website closed. But the site was reactivated a few days ago.

Russian news agencies today cited Lithuania's security services as saying they are checking reports that Kavkaz Center continues to operate from that Baltic country.

(ITAR-TASS/RIA-Novosti)