Moscow is reportedly ready to offer Chechnya "extensive autonomy" within Russia if the breakaway republic adopts a new pro-Moscow constitution next month.
The March 23rd referendum could pave the way for Chechnya to receive "extensive autonomy within the Russian Federation," Mr Vladislav Surkov, deputy chief of the presidential staff, was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying.
The constitution, widely expected to pass, aims to solidify the southern republic's status as part of the Russian Federation.
According to Moscow's timetable, it is set to be followed within 12 months by presidential and legislative elections.
Mr Surkov said Moscow would consider agreeing to "an extremely flexible form of existence for Chechnya within the Russian Federation."
The degree of autonomy varies among Russia's 89 republics and regions.
Observers have criticized the referendum as a Kremlin ploy to show that the conflict in Chechnya is over, while fighting rages on almost daily and civilians continue to live in a war zone.
Federal forces swept back in October 1999 into the Caucasus republic, which had enjoyed de facto independence since a 1994-1996 war against Russia. The first war was followed by presidential elections that were later discounted by Moscow.
AFP