Vladimir Putin, Urged Russians to vote
The front runner in Russia's Presidential election has broadcast an appeal on state television, urging the country's 108 million electors to vote in Sunday's poll. Vladimir Putin, who is Russia's acting President, said that voters should elect a leader capable of restoring the country's stability and prestige. Mr Putin has won widespread support for backing the Russian military campaign in the breakaway republic of Chechnya.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, has said there are indications that Russia may be prepared to allow independent monitors in to Chechnya to investigate allegations of human rights abuses. Mr Cowen was speaking in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where a two-day European summit is concluding. A number of countries at the summit have called for Russia's suspension from the Council. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs have been liasing with Russia regarding Chechnya because Ireland currently chairs the Council of Europe.
