The new 30-year-old president of Chechnya is due to be sworn in today. Ramzan Kadyrov is a former rebel and amateur boxer, accused by human rights groups of murdering civilians.

His supporters, however, credit him for restoring order in Russia's troubled region after two wars between federal troops and rebels.
Kadyrov, who turned from rebel to Moscow ally, is the son of a former Chechen leader killed in a bomb attack in 2004.

Militias loyal to Kadyrov and Russian forces have killed many separatist guerilla leaders, forcing them into mountain hideouts.

However, observers say members of the Russia military and secret service are wary of Kadyrov, warning that he could turn against Moscow.

PHOTO CAPTION

Ramzan Kadyrov speaks to members of the Chechen diaspora in Moscow, March 21, 2007. (Reuters)

EuroNews