First talks in Moscow to end Chechen war

The first ever talks have begun in Moscow in an attempt to an end the war in Chechnya.

The talks took place between an envoy for the Chechen separatist leader, Aslan Maskhadov and a representative of the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin.

President Putin said he would be willing to hold direct talks with the Chechens, a reversal of policy to negotiate with rebels during the two year war in Chechnya.