Chechnya is currently republic within Russia..but don't take any bets on how long. Depending on what's going on you need either a Russian visa or a Chechen bodyguard. (About ten is a safe number) Right now its only volunteers, stringers and live fast, die young, types (and DP of course) who enter rebel-held Chechnya. Reporters are allowed to work in the country only on trips organized by the Chechen Interior Ministry. If you hang with the Russians you won't get close to much. If you are in the south with the rebels you'll be too close. Take your pick.
For current information on visa requirements, U.S. citizens can contact the Russian consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle, or the Russian embassy in Washington, D.C.:
Russian Embassy
Consular Division
1825 Phelps Place NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tel: (202) 939-8918, 939-8907, or 939-8913
Entry into Chechnya should only be attempted by journalists or aid groups with heavy protection. Journalists must get permission from the Chechen Interior Ministry. Usually through Chechen contacts in Istanbul or Baltic countries. Today, journalists seeking entry into Chechnya or other information should contact one of the following representatives.
SBC International
http://www.sbcif.com/
IHH
Macar Kardesler
Caddesi Hulusi Noyan
Sokak No.23, Fatih
Istanbul
Tel./Fax: [90] (212) 631-3368
http://www.ihhvakf.org
Chief Advisor on Foreign Affairs
Tel: 90-212-257-3616 or 90-212-257-6815
Cell phone: 90-212-532-27147177
Fax: 90-212-257-3286
Also, what's an emerging republic without a web site? Start with:
http://www.amina.org
http://www.kaukaz.org
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