Khodorkovsky: separation of Northern Caucasus from Russia is inadmissible

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former head of "Yukos", recently released from colony, has stated that Russia's territorial integrity is a priority and it is necessary to prevent separation of the North-Caucasian regions from the rest of the country. While in prison, he was recognized by human rights activists to be a political prisoner.

"If the question is like that: separation of Northern Caucasus or war – then it means war," said the former head of the "Yukos" and added: "This is our land; we've won it."

He called himself "a nationalist to a certain extent," the "Grani.ru" reports.

Khodorkovsky also said that for him "the issue of politics as a struggle for power is out of question." "It's clear that politics – in terms of election to some state bodies – is out of my interests," he said in his interview to The New Times.

Alexei Pushkov, the head of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs, believes that the pardoning of Khodorkovsky will not affect the political situation in Russia. "We can't say that he will be now actively involved in political activities, head some opposition movement in Russia, and so on. He shows no such inclinations," said Pushkov.

The ex-head of "Yukos" Mikhail Khodorkovsky has put an end to his political future by agreeing to go abroad, said Eduard Limonov, an opposition leader and writer, the head of "The Other Russia". "If Khodorkovsky once comes back to Russia, he may no longer be interesting to anybody. He's made his choice in favour of personal life and agreed to give up his involvement in politics and business," the "Interfax" quotes Mr Limonov as saying.