Maskhadov Can't Be Amnestied

Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov would not be eligible for pardon in the eventuality of an amnesty for members of guerrilla bands in Chechnya, Stanislav Ilyasov, the federal government minister for Chechen affairs, opined in an interview to RIA Novosti.

Ilyasov pointed out, "It has been suggested multiple times that Maskhadov walk out of the caves, lay down arms, but he did not take the federal authorities' proposals on board." He contended this was reason enough to rule out any possibility of an amnesty for Maskhadov, whom he branded the most odious Chechen guerrilla leader.

He noted the latest intelligence indicated Maskhadov was in Chechnya's highlands.