Pro-independence Chechens had a rare opportunity on November 15th to rally support for their cause in the European Union. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) representing countries surrounding the Baltic Sea received Akhyad Idigov in Strasbourg. Idigov is the head of the foreign relations committee of what the European Union considers to be the last freely elected Chechen parliament. Idigov said he was received sympathetically in Strasbourg. MEP Tunne Kelam, instrumental in organizing Idigov's visit said deputies supportive of the Chechen independence movement will attempt to formally raise the issue in the European Parliament.

From the left: Akhyad Idigov, MEPs Harri Vattanen, Tunne Kelam and Vytautas Landsbergis.

Text: Ahto Lobjakas - RFE/RL; photo - EL

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