Polish police have said they would arrest exiled Chechen rebel leader Akhmed Zakayev if he visits Poland as planned this week.
Zakayev, viewed by Moscow as a terrorist but granted political asylum by Britain in 2003, is due to attend an annual World Chechen Congress in Poland on September 16-17.
Polish police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said that there is an international arrest warrant on Akhmed Zakayev issued by Interpol following a request by Russia.
He said "the police later [will] hand the suspect to the court and the court decides on a potential extradition."
Zakayev, speaking today by cellular phone with RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service, said he has already received a visa to travel to Poland.
"I intend to take part in this forum, in the World Chechen Congress that is going to take place in Poland. I am going to fly [to Poland] on the 16th or the 17th [of September]. And I don't have any other official information except that I have received a visa."
The congress brings together Chechen exiles seeking independence Chechnya and opposing its Moscow-installed leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
compiled from Reuters and agency reports
Zakayev, viewed by Moscow as a terrorist but granted political asylum by Britain in 2003, is due to attend an annual World Chechen Congress in Poland on September 16-17.
Polish police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said that there is an international arrest warrant on Akhmed Zakayev issued by Interpol following a request by Russia.
He said "the police later [will] hand the suspect to the court and the court decides on a potential extradition."
Zakayev, speaking today by cellular phone with RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service, said he has already received a visa to travel to Poland.
"I intend to take part in this forum, in the World Chechen Congress that is going to take place in Poland. I am going to fly [to Poland] on the 16th or the 17th [of September]. And I don't have any other official information except that I have received a visa."
The congress brings together Chechen exiles seeking independence Chechnya and opposing its Moscow-installed leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
compiled from Reuters and agency reports
