Russia condemns Afghanistan over Chechnya

Russia has condemned the recognition of an independent Chechen state by the Taleban authorities in Afghanistan.

A statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said it was proof that terrorists in Chechnya were allied with the forces of aggressive religious extremism.

It also warned that the Taleban move raised the question of whether UN sanctions against the movement should be toughened.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service