Aslakhanov doubts the existence of Chechen separatists Umarov and Khalilov

Aslambek Aslakhanov, adviser of the president of Russia, does not exclude that leaders of Chechen separatists Doku Umarov and Rapani Khalilov can reside outside Russia. "They (Umarov and Khalilov) may be outside the Russian Federation whatsoever," Mr. Aslakhanov told journalists today.

"I've not heard for a long time them take responsibility for crimes. Maybe they are no longer existent in nature at all," the RIA "Novosti" quotes Aslakhanov.

We remind you that the "Caucasian Knot" has informed earlier that in early April Suleiman Imurzaev (call signal Hirullah), the closest handyman of earlier liquidated Shamil Basaev, was killed in Chechnya.

Hirullah was one of the three most influential field commanders of Chechen separatists still at large, including also Doku Umarov and Rapani Khalilov.