23:20, 11 September 2003

Aslambek Aslakhanov has accepted Russian president's offer to become his aide and will not remain in Chechen presidential race

State Duma Deputy Aslambek Aslakhanov declares he has accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to become his aide.

Putin is expected to sign a decree appointing Aslakhanov soon, a high-ranking Kremlin source has confirmed.

Aslakhanov will be in charge of affairs in Southern Russia, he said.

"I accepted with gratitude the president's offer. I am the first Chechen to be offered this position. I am absolutely confident that as an aide to the head of state I will be able to do more for the republic than I could as just a State Duma Deputy," Aslakhanov told the press.

He also said that he withdraw from the Chechen presidential race in view of his new appointment.

"After giving it serious thought and having numerous conferences with my headquarters, I have made a decision, which was very hard for me, not to remain in the presidential race," said Aslakhanov.

Source: Interfax News Agency