Shamil Bassaiev: We did not intend to seize Budyonnovsk . We had another task. We wanted to get to Moscow. The main aim of our operation is to put an immediate end to the war in Chechnya, see the withdrawal of Russian troops and a resolution to the problem through a peace process.
If our aims are not met we will force the courageous Russian army to do this (kill innocent civilian hostages). Let them come and storm the place We are sick of watching our villages being bombed, and our women and children being killed.
Freedom, or death is our fate. Either we will be free or nothing. An honourable death is better than being slaves or allowing the annihilation of our people.

Ivan Rybkin, Secretary, Russian Security Council: I am simply convinced that the murder of doctors can only be a political murder. It is aimed at disrupting the peace process in Chechnya and at ending the preparation for elections there. Of that there is no doubt, no matter who is behind it.

Ilya Kapaev, resident of Novye Atagi: I don't blame them for wrapping up their work here, even though we needed them here. Free medical treatment in these times when no one is earning - well, their work was a wonderful thing. We can hope that they will return and that the culprits will be brought to justice

Magomed Magomadov, Deputy State Prosecutor of Chechnya: We organised the search for the bodies and as a result of the investigation we have found out the four heads belonged to the three citizens of Great Britain and one citizen of New Zealand. It was discovered that they were killed on the night of December 8th to 9th, 1998.

Mairbek Vachagaev, Chechen Presidential Spokesman: Today or tomorrow the bodies will be sent home with observance of all required formalities. That includes a memorial service by the priest of the Grozny Russian Orthodox Church. Of course we realise they're protestants, but the service will be carried out by the Orthodox church. In this case the priest believes it is necessary to carry out these rites. The Chechen side has nothing against it.

Luiza, Refugee: He (Kenny Gluck) was really one of us. We were forced to leave our homes and to live in these tents, in this place and we have found help only from international organisations. We know that he came to help us and he did help us. We are really sorry and offended that some bastards came along and kidnapped him.

Roza Supyeva, Doctor, Slepsovskaya Camp: Doctors without Borders (MSF) is a very powerful organisation and it is inconceivable that they would need to stop their work here. It would be a catastrophe. They should not feel they have to close down their work here.
He (Kenny Gluck) would visit the camp and he was interested in the problems we face and wanted to know how he could help. He worked from the heart.