Russia 'ends Chechnya operation'

Russia has ended its decade-long "counter-terrorism operation" against separatist rebels in the southern republic of Chechnya, officials say.The move aimed "to create conditions to further normalise the situation", the National Anti-terrorist Committee said.Russian forces have fought two wars in the mainly Muslim republic since 1994.Moscow says Chechnya has stabilised under its pro-Kremlin President, Ramzan Kadyrov, but human rights groups accuse his militias of widespread abuses."We received the news about cancelling the counter-terrorism operation with great satisfaction," Mr Kadyrov told Russia's Interfax news agency on Thursday."The leadership of Russia has officially confirmed the fact that the nest of terrorism has been crushed, that illegal armed groups have been neutralised, and militant leaders on whose conscience lay the grief and suffering of thousands of people have been destroyed, detained and brought to court.""Now the Chechen Republic... is a peaceful, developing territory, and cancelling the counter-terrorism operation will only promote economic growth in the republic," he added, declaring that in future 16 April would be a public holiday.Sporadic clashes persist in Chechnya, however, and violence continues in the neighbouring regions of Dagestan and Ingushetia.Correspondents say Mr Kadyrov rules over Chechnya by fear. Human rights groups have documented allegations of kidnappings, torture and murder of the president's opponents.Mr Kadyrov has dismissed such claims and denied any involvement.

1991 USSR collapses, Chechen separatists declare independence

1994 Russia sends forces to crush independence movement

1996 Ceasefire called

1999 After explosions in Russia, Moscow sends troops back

2003 New constitution gives Chechnya more autonomy; Akhmad Kadyrov elected president

2004 Kadyrov killed by bomb

2005 Separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov killed by troops

2006 March - Ramzan Kadyrov, son of Akhmad, becomes PM

2006 July - Warlord Shamil Basayev, Russia's most wanted man, killed in Ingushetia

2007 Ramzan Kadyrov elected president by Chechen parliament

2009 Russia announces ended to "counter-terrorism operation"