Boris Yeltsin accepts the Russian legislature's resolution calling for a political solution to the crisis in Chechen-Ingushetia instead of emergency rule, a spokesman for the Russian president said Tuesday.
Pavel Voshchanov, the spokesman, told the independent Interfax news agency that Yeltsin will do everything he can to implement the resolution in the secessionist Muslim enclave in southern Russia.The resolution, overwhelmingly approved by the Russian Supreme Soviet on Monday, was a political blow to Yeltsin who was taking a tough stand in his first major separatist challenge.
Chechen-Ingushetia is seeking independence from the Russian Federation, but Yeltsin is equally determined to prevent any breakup of his vast republic that will interfere with economic reforms.
Chechen-Ingushetia is one of 20 autonomous republics in Russia created to give large ethnic minorities more control over local affairs.
Voshchanov, Yeltsin's press secretary, said the president does not insist the dispute be settled at any cost, and would support negotiations with the region's leaders.
Chechen-Ingushetia, a region 900 miles southeast of Moscow, is home to 1.3 million people. Russian control of the region began under the czars.
Chechen-Ingush leaders declared their independence from the Russian Federation on Nov. 2. Yeltsin declared a state of emergency on Friday, and sent Russian troops to the region.