Russia questions France over Chechen rebel - TV

By Staff
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MOSCOW, June 29 (Reuters) Russia has asked France to explain a Chechen rebel leader's trip to Strasbourg and said it was concerned by his freedom of movement in Europe, Russian First television channel reported today.

Moscow accuses Akhmed Zakayev of murder and kidnapping dating from the first of two wars Russia has fought in the breakaway region since 1994.

Zakayev fled to Britain at the end of 2002 and was granted asylum the following year. He said he might be killed if he returned to Russia.

First channel said Zakayev had been spotted inside the Council of Europe building.

''We have approached the relevant French authorities requesting an explanation,'' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in televised remarks.

''We are concerned by the situation which has emerged -- if this information is confirmed -- around Zakayev's freedom of movement in Europe,'' Lavrov said, adding that the rebel is on the Interpol wanted list.

There was no immediate comment from the French government.

London has repeatedly snubbed Moscow's requests to extradite Zakayev.

REUTERS NY KP2028

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