Chechen President prepares new peace proposal

Maskhadov's press secretary, Selim Abdumuslimov, told Interfax on 3 December that the Chechen president has drafted a new peace plan, which he hopes "will be acceptable to...political and military leaders who care for Russia, rather than their clannish or personal interests." He did not elaborate, except to say that the plan excludes the stationing of Russian troops in Chechnya. Abdumuslimov said Maskhadov is prepared to unveil the plan and send it to international organizations if peace talks begin. He added that if Moscow turns down negotiations on an end to the conflict, Chechnya will appeal to the international community for military aid. Also on 3 December, Russian Prime Minister Putin told the State Duma that he is in contact with representatives of some Chechen militant formations who are considering laying down their arms, according to Interfax. LF