07 October 2003 10:52
US says Chechen election fall short, missed chance
The United States on Monday described the presidential election in Chechnya as a missed opportunity because it was not free and fair enough to help bring peace to the troubled territory of southern Russia.
"Unfortunately the presidential election and the political process that led up to it fell short of the potential for producing a positive democratic outcome," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told a daily briefing. "The election did not meet international standards for fair and free elections. We are disappointed by this missed opportunity. It is unclear whether the election will have sufficient credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the people of Chechnya to advance the settlement process," he added.
A former Muslim cleric backed by the Kremlin coasted to a sweeping win in the election on Sunday, although many commentators doubt the result will halt a bloody separatist guerrilla campaign.
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