Russia's human rights ombudsman, Oleg Mironov, called on the country's Muslims Monday to help put an end to the conflict in the southern republic of Chechnya.
"The important thing is to establish a ceasefire, to bring the insane actions of the combatants to a halt, to guarantee security, confidence and stability in Chechnya and try the criminals," Mironov said in a statement.
The mediator also called for renewed efforts to "rebuild schools, hospitals and cultural centres, rehabilitate the victims of the war and restore destroyed cemeteries and mosques."
Much of Chechnya's infrastructure has been destroyed since Moscow sent troops into the predominantly Muslim Caucasus republic on October 1, 1999 in a self-declared anti-terrorist operation aimed at bringing separatist forces to heel - MOSCOW (AFP)
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