High-ranking Chechen separatist surrenders to federal forces
Former Chechen separatist defense minister Magomed Khambiyev has given up armed resistance and surrendered, the regional headquarters of the anti-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus reported on Monday.
"I confirm Khambiyev's surrender," said headquarters spokesman Colonel Ilya Shabalkin. He said that several formal procedures are required to document Khambiyev's surrender. "So far, the act of surrender has not been documented. Only prosecutors can do so," Shabalkin said.
He said Khambiyev had not recently been actively involved in combat operations. "When the counter-terrorist operation was launched in 1999, Khambiyev was an active member of rebel formations. But over the past couple of years, he has been on the sidelines, obviously analyzing the situation in the republic, what he should do next and how to surrender," he said.
NTV television reported on Monday evening that Khambiyev laid down his arms in the village of Tsentoroi, and broadcast a video showing him surrendering to the Chechen authorities. Speaking in Chechen through a translator, Khambiyev said that he had decided to emerge from the resistance movement following lengthy talks.
Khambiyev also said that local elders had influenced his decision and that he believes statements made by Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov. "The people must no longer be tortured and entangled in the fighting," he said. //Interfax