The Memorial Rights Organization is open for dialogue with the authorities of Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Chechnya, Memorial's head Oleg Orlov told Ekho Moskvy FM station.
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said on Saturday during a televised interview that journalists and Memorial activists who criticize his policies are well-paid by the West and are "enemies of the people, enemies of the law, enemies of the state."
On Sunday, however, the Chechen president said that human rights activists working in the Chechen Republic are not at risk and nothing threatens their life, and that Chechen authorities are ready for dialogue with all the rights organizations working in the republic.
"I don't pretend to understand why Mr. Kadyrov has changed his statement so dramatically... I do not pretend to explain what has caused this move, but I am really satisfied," Orlov said.
"If Ramzan Kadyrov is really calling to all the rights activists for dialogue, Memorial will be always open for this," he added.
MOSCOW, July 12 (RIA Novosti)