Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev claimed that separatists in Chechnya have no choice but to continue committing acts similar to the hostage taking at a Russian school in Beslan last June that resulted in more than 300 deaths including many school children.

Basayev was interviewed by Great Britain's Channel 4 and portions of the interview were quoted in the Times of London today.

'We are planning more Beslan-type operations in the future because we are forced to do so,' Basayev claimed. He also said he wanted a 'bloodless revolution' to obtain independence and wanted to end what he described as the 'genocide of the Chechen people.'

Basayev's ideal 'bloodless revolution' is unlikely as he said he would only stop military operations if Russia withdrew all of its troops from Chechnya. Thus far, Russia has indicated they would not negotiate with the rebels, let alone agree to withdraw from part of what Russians consider their own country.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has asked Channel 4 in England not to broadcast the interview with Basayev. The television station has declined to do so.

The Russian response was predictable. 'We see such an action as another step in the information support given to terrorists acting in the North Caucasus,' said a Russian Foreign Ministry statement. 'We are sure that such an irresponsible step ... counters the efforts of the global coalition for fighting terrorism.'

The interview was allegedly conducted approximately one month ago at an undisclosed location.