| Chechen NGOs protest Putin’s visit to Turkey |
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4 décembre 2004
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ISTANBUL, Dec 4 (AFP) - A number of Chechen solidarity groups in Turkey on Saturday spoke out against a two-day official visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin because of Moscow’s policies in the breakaway republic of Chechnya, the Anatolia news agency reported.
"One fourth of the population in Chechnya was massacred by Russians," Ali Yandir, the head of the Chechen Solidarity and Culture Association, told a press conference here.
"We expect the Turkish government to ask Russia to end the occupation in Chechnya and disarm the region," he added.
Turkey is home to large communities of Turkish-speaking nations from the Caucasus and there is considerable support in Turkey for Chechen separatists.
Russia has often accused Turkey of turning a blind eye to the activities of Chechen militants, but Ankara categorically denies the accusation.
Massive security measures will be in place for Putin’s visit on Sunday and Monday, with more tha than 3,000 policemen mobilized to assure the Russian leader’s safety in Ankara, according to media reports.
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