The European Union has echoed US concerns about planned moves by Russian President Vladimir Putin to fight terrorism, saying the answer was not to boost Kremlin power at the expense of democracy.
After a spate of attacks in Russia blamed on Chechen separatists, Mr Putin has said he will name regional governors himself in future and make changes to the electoral system that will effectively stop the rise of a strong opposition.
EU External Relations Commissioner Mr Chris Patten said a lasting resolution of the Chechen conflict lay in "far-sighted, humane and resolute" policies rather than moves limiting democracy.
"I hope they (the solutions) are forthcoming and that the government of the Russian Federation will not conclude that the only answer to terrorism is to increase the power of the Kremlin," Mr Patten told the European Parliament.
"The fight against terrorism does not justify or excuse the abuse of human rights," said Mr Patten, insisting the 25-nation bloc would raise its differences with Moscow over Chechnya in future meetings.
"The challenge for Russia is to put in place a leadership in Chechnya in which the population of Chechnya has confidence. Without this there can be no lasting, genuine reconciliation, which it is clear the majority of the population wishes to see."
US Secretary of State Colin Powell, in an interview on Tuesday, said Mr Putin's planned changes were "pulling back on some of the democratic reforms". He pledged to raise his concerns with the Russian leadership.