Halonen and Putin discuss Chechnya

The Finnish President, Tarja Halonen, is in Moscow for talks with her Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Mr Putin is reported to have praised President Halonen for her contribution in strengthening ties between the two countries.

The two leaders are expected to discuss in detail the situation in Chechnya.

Correspondents say Finland has been forthright in its concern over allegations of human rights abuses by the Russian military in Chechnya. Russian warplanes and helicopter gunships have carried out numerous missions against Chechen rebel positions in the past few days, while rebel fighters are maintaining their own spate of attacks.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service