The Taleban authorities in Afghanistan have recognised Chechnya as an independent state.

They are believed to be the first government in the world to do so.

The Taleban leader, Mullah Mohamed Omar, made the announcement when he received a Chechen delegation in the southern city of Kandahar.

The delegation was led by the former Chechen leader, Zaleem Khan Yandarbiev.

The Taleban have previously denied Russian accusations that they are helping Chechen rebels.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service