Baku, 14 August 2000 (RFE/RL) - An Azerbaijani official denied Russian charges that his country is allowing Chechen rebels to receive medical treatment or that any rebels are receiving salaries or stipends. The official, an Azerbaijani Health Ministry spokesman, said no Chechens have arrived in the country to receive medical treatment and reports that Chechen rebels are receiving leg prostheses in Azerbaijan are not true.
An unnamed official at the Chechen representation in Baku said it is impossible for Chechen fighters to reach Azerbaijan as the borders are closely watched and in any case are not contiguous with Chechnya.
Russia has accused both Azerbaijan and Georgia of providing refuge and transit for Chechen fighters during the conflict in Chechnya.