We will take all necessary steps to solve this horrible crime,

It is not advantageous for Russia in its present state to fight against Chechnya. The army is a mess. It must be made combat ready. That will take time. Russia has a lot of economic, social and political problems much more important than Chechnya.

There can be no justification for terror against absolutely innocent citizens,

The war is ending, for the first time in the history of relations between Moscow and Grozny, and the era of peace is starting.

I understand you, but I cannot support you.

We deny and have always denied having the slightest link with al-Qaeda.