Russia has denounced the United States' attempt to continue dialogues with moderate Chechen separatists who are blamed for at least 335 deaths in the latest hostage crisis

Russia has denounced the United States' attempt to continue dialogues with moderate Chechen separatists who are blamed for at least 335 deaths in the latest hostage crisis. A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Russia couldn't tolerate such contact since they were the ones blamed for at least 335 deaths in the Beslan school hostage siege, reported China Radio International. He also commented on the U.S.'s suggested political solution to the Chechen crisis, adding that Chechen issue is Russia's internal affair. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted the U.S. attitude was "inappropriate" and unhelpful to US-Russian relation and the unity of anti-terrorism campaign. Earlier, U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the US government will meet with political officials, leaders who have different points of view in Chechen. He also pointed out that the US view of some of these political figures has been different than the Russians, adding that a "political solution" must be found for the conflict in Chechnya.