Russia Delivers Aid to Chechen Refugees in Pankisi

The Russian delegation led by Minister for Chechen Affairs Stanislav Iliasov arrived in the Pankisi Gorge today to convince Chechen refugees living there to return to Chechnya on a voluntary basis.

The delegation delivered 20 tons of humanitarian aid consisting of warm clothes and food.

In case of willingness of Chechen refugees, the Russian delegation can repatriate over 300 Chechen refugees at the first stage, as well as ensure their safety and provide them with habitation and compensation for their damaged and destroyed apartments.

This is the second visit of the Russian delegation to the Pankisi Gorge. The first one in early September yielded no results.

Up to 3,700 Chechen refugees, who fled the second Chechen war in 1999, live in the Pankisi Gorge presently.

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