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SMS text messages urge rebels to surrender
Russia's intelligence services have found a new way of getting a surrender appeal to Chechen separatist rebels they are sending it on mobile phones by SMS text message.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:00 August 15, 2006
Grozny: Russia's intelligence services have found a new way of getting a surrender appeal to Chechen separatist rebels they are sending it on mobile phones by SMS text message.
Mobile phone subscribers in Ingushetia, which neighbours Chechnya, have begun receiving SMS messages from Russia's state anti-terrorist committee urging rebels to take up an offer to disarm in exchange for a fair trial.
The message provides four telephone numbers for rebels to call to negotiate an end to "their participation in armed groups".
State security (FSB) officials last month set an August 1 deadline for rebels to put down their arms and start negotiations. That deadline has since been extended until September 30.
Moscow stepped up pressure on rebels to disarm after Russian forces killed top rebel commander Shamil Basayev on July 10, telling them to "listen to reason and look truth in the eyes".
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