(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Russia believe the problems in a breakaway republic persist, according to a poll by the Public Opinion Foundation. 50 per cent of respondents believe the situation in Chechnya has not changed recently.

Chechen rebels have tried to secede from the Russian Federation since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Several terrorist incidents in Russia have been blamed on the loose group, including two airplane crashes, a suicide bombing in Moscow and the assassination of Chechnya's president Akhmad Kadyrov in May 2004.

In March, the Russian government announced that Aslan Maskhadov—regarded as one of the Chechen rebel leaders—had been killed during a special operation of the federal security forces. 38 per cent of respondents would consent to Russian authorities launching negotiations with the militants in Chechnya, while 44 per cent disagree.

On Jun. 7, Chechen president Alu Alkhanov announced that the region is to hold a parliamentary ballot in November. Kremlin advisor Aslambek Aslakhanov expressed confidence in the election, saying, "A two-house parliament establishing the budget and controlling its execution, guiding the republic's economic development, providing people with jobs and attracting investment can become a crucial institute for Chechnya's economic development."

On Jul. 29, Russia formally expressed "strong indignation" over an interview with Chechen separatist leader Shamil Basayev broadcast by ABC in the United States. Basayev has claimed responsibility for the September 2004 three-day siege at a middle school in Beslan. The attack left 344 civilians dead, including 172 children.

On Aug. 15, Taus Dzhabrailov—head of Chechnya's interim parliament—estimated the death toll of the two most recent militant campaigns in the republic at "between 150,000 and 160,000 people."

Polling Data

Do you believe the situation in Chechnya is getting worse, getting better, or has not changed recently?

Should Russian authorities conduct negotiations with the militants in Chechnya?

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