Moscow, 13 April 2000 (RFE/RL) - The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says it will re-establish its mission in Chechnya if security conditions permit. The current OSCE chief, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, met today in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. Ivanov said after the talks that Russia was ready to cooperate with the OSCE.
"We are open for cooperation with all international organizations that can and are ready to offer real input on a settlement."
Ferrero-Waldner plans to meet President-elect Vladimir Putin before traveling to the North Caucasus tomorrow.
In Chechnya itself, Russian forces stepped up air raids against suspected rebel positions in the areas of Argun, Vedeno, and Nozhai-Yurt in the southern mountains.
Ferrero-Waldner plans to meet President-elect Vladimir Putin before traveling to the North Caucasus tomorrow.
In Chechnya itself, Russian forces stepped up air raids against suspected rebel positions in the areas of Argun, Vedeno, and Nozhai-Yurt in the southern mountains.