Aslan Maskhadov quotes

Aslan Maskhadov was a Chechen politician and military leader, best known as the third President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. A key figure during the First and Second Chechen Wars, he played a central role in negotiating with Russian authorities. He sought a peaceful solution to the conflict but remained committed to Chechen independence. Here are 6 of his quotes:

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.

Aslan Maskhadov

I assure you, it would be much more pleasant for me to be an ordinary voter in peaceful Chechnya than the president of a republic at war.

Aslan Maskhadov

A foreign ideology cannot be introduced into Chechnya - were it through an Arab or al-Qaeda. Our experience is rich and long enough for us to be Muslims and know what jihad is.

Aslan Maskhadov

Western States keep playing with, and around, Russia.

Aslan Maskhadov

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

Aslan Maskhadov