22:56, 23 August 2003

Mahomet Tekeyev: "There is menace of endo-ethnical conflict in Karachaevo-Cherkessia"

The part of the Karachai people supporting the active president of the Republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia Vladimir Semyonov arranges meetings of protest against the first round results of the presidential election in the republic and demands to put out Mustafa Batdyev from the election race.

Many people in the republic believe that the main reason of the appearances against Batdyev is that Batdyev is supported as a presidential contender by Abazins and Circassians, specifically by senator Stanislav Derev.

In Mustafa Batdyev' opinion, the president of Karachaevo-Cherkessia tries to play a national card which may intensify tension in the region.

State Duma Deputy Mahomet Tekeyev stated, "Now the Karachais face the menace of an endo-ethnical conflict. To prevent confrontation, I am going to appeal to the Karachai people."