Apr.30, 2003

Reuters

Chechens Afraid to Return, Group Says


MOSCOW -- The vast majority of refugees who have fled fighting in the Russian breakaway republic of Chechnya are too scared to return home, according to a survey by an international aid group.

The findings of the survey, conducted by Doctors Without Borders, challenge statements by officials in Moscow, who say Chechnya is returning to normal and that the decade-long military campaign against separatist rebels has succeeded. They have trumpeted the  return of refugees as proof.

"It is obvious that people have been returning to Chechnya against their will, giving up under tremendous pressure and without other choice," the aid group said.