The European Commission called on Wednesday on Russia to respect human rights and work for a political solution to the Chechen conflict, after the killing of rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov by Russian forces.
The European Union (EU)'s executive arm reiterated its concern for the security situation in the breakaway Muslim republic after the announcement Tuesday of the death of Maskhadov, who was one of Russia's two most wanted men.
"The EU continues to support a political settlement of the conflict in Chechnya based on the support and confidence of the people and respecting Russia's territorial integrity," said spokesman.
"This has to be underpinned by respect for the rule of law, human rights and democratic principles," he added, voicing concern about "credible reports of widespread human rights violations" including kidnappings and disappearances.
"The (EU) commission is asking the Russian authorities to make it a priority to tackle all such violations as a key part of their efforts to end this conflict."
Chechen rebels on Wednesday vowed to pursue and expand their fight for independence from Russia, calling the killing of Maskhadov a fleeting coup for the Kremlin that obliterated any hope of a negotiated end to the conflict.
Maskhadov, a former Red Army officer, was seen as a moderate until he aligned himself more closely with radical Islamists.
He has been blamed by the Russian government for numerous attacks in recent years, including the Beslan school massacre last autumn -- which he denied -- and an October 2002 mass hostage-taking at the Dubrovka theater in Moscow.