VLADIMIR Putin, the Russian president, arrives in Edinburgh tomorrow amid growing
criticism of Russia's military actions in Chechnya.
Mr Putin will stay at Buckingham Palace during his four-day trip - the first full
state visit by a Russian leader in more than a century - after being met at Heathrow
airport today by the Prince of Wales.
Amnesty International added its weight to calls for Tony Blair and Jack McConnell
to make it clear that Russia must investigate allegations of human rights abuses.
The human rights organisation claims that up to 300,000 people in Chechnya, mainly
women and children, have fled their homes to escape fighting between Chechen rebels
and the Russian army.
It has also accused the Russian authorities of failing to investigate alleged
war crimes by the Russian army, including extra-judicial executions, rape, torture,
and disappearances.
Accompanied by his wife and the Duke of York, Mr Putin will be met by Lesley Hinds,
Edinburgh's lord provost, tomorrow before embarking on a programme of engagements
in the capital.
The president and his wife will meet Jack McConnell and be entertained by Scottish
dancers and pipers at Edinburgh Castle.
While Mr Putin meets Mr McConnell and Jim Wallace, the deputy first minister,
his wife will be taken on a tour of the National Museum of Scotland.
The president will address Scottish academics, scientists, and business people
as part of a promotion to show the growing political and commercial partnership
between the UK and the Russian federation.
After lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the couple will be taken on a tour
of the Fabergé Exhibition at the Queen's Gallery.
The last Russian state visit occurred in 1874 when Czar Alexander II attended
the marriage of his daughter to Queen Victoria's son, Alfred.