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New Chechen President 'Will Not Tolerate Opposition'


Newly-elected Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov says he will not tolerate opposition to his government in the war-torn republic.

The former administrator of Chechnya who was elected by popular vote on Sunday told the Russian newspaper Kommersant Tuesday he plans to crack down on separatist activity and force regional clans to abide by his rule.

He also said Russian troops sent to Chechnya in 1999 to quell separatist uprisings will stay in place for now, until Chechen troops are organized and well-prepared enough to keep the peace.

Mr. Kadyrov was appointed Chechnya's administrator by Moscow three years ago. Sunday's vote was criticized by international authorities after the most popular contenders withdrew or were disqualified before election day.

The United States, Britain and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe have all questioned the fairness of the Chechen presidential election.

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