Chechen affairs minister to persuade Chechen refugees to return home

The Russian minister for Chechen affairs Stanislav Ilyasov intends to persuade Chechen refugees in Georgia's Pankisi gorge to come back home.

The Georgian interior ministry press center reports that, with this aim in view, Stanislav Ilyasov headed this morning for the Pankisi gorge accompanied by Georgian policemen.

Ilyasov arrived in Tbilisi on a three-day visit on Monday night aboard a Russian emergencies ministry Il-86 plane.

The aircraft brought humanitarian aid for Chechen refugees - warm clothing and food.

The press service notes that in case the refugees are ready, Ilyasov can bring to Chechnya up to 300 Chechen families, for whom housing has been prepared.

The Georgian interior ministry recommends Chechen refugees return to Chechnya, where they will be given security guarantees, allowances and housing.

Some 3,000 refugees from Chechnya are residing in Georgia's Pankisi gorge at present.