Russia agrees for political dialogue with Maskhadov

quot;I am ready to negotiate even with the devil. There are still real men who remain, I know Maskhadov as such a man. I am appealing to them, let the people leave, the elderly, the women and children,quot; Shoigu said.

Though no other details were immediately available, but observers note that the Russian talks offer coincided with the European Union EU summit in Helsinki at which economic sanctions against Moscow are likely to be discussed.

An AFP report quoting the minister said the residents of Grozny will still be permitted to leave the city after the deadline expires on Saturday. Earlier the Russian army had issued a deadline to the residents to quot;either flee or face certain deathquot;.

quot;This Saturday is not the last date after which no one will be permitted to leave,quot; Shoigu said.