MOSCOW, March 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The body of slain Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov has been taken out of Chechnya for forensic medical and genetic analysis, Russian Deputy Prosecutor General Nikolai Shepel said Thursday.

    All essential field investigative procedures were finished and "Maskhadov's body has been taken outside the Chechen republic for the rest of necessary procedures in stationary conditions," Shepelwas cited by the Interfax news agency as saying.

    However, he did not specify where the body will be examined dueto security concerns.

    Shepel said seven reports have been issued after initial identifications of the dead body, and all who participated in the identification, including the rebel leader's relatives, confirmed that the body is that of Maskhadov.

    Maskhadov was killed in a fight with Russian troops in Chechnyaon Tuesday. Since then, Russia has been holding Maskhadov's body despite his family's demand for the return of the body for burial.     

    Under Russian laws, terrorists' bodies are banned from being handed over to their relatives.

    Maskhadov's 29-year-old son, Anzor, pledged Thursday that he isdetermined to continue his father's cause "to struggle for Chechnya's independence," according to Interfax.

    He said the death of his father would trigger more active separatist moves against Russian troops and he will be trying to "spread the truth about what is going on in Chechnya."

    The junior Maskhadov said that of his father's possible successors, Abdul-Khalim Saidullayev, little-known to Chechen people, is a suitable candidate.

    However, a senior official with the pro-Russian Chechen administration said Thursday that there are no more prominent figures left among Chechen separatists who could succeed Maskhadov.

    Commenting on the names reportedly to have been elected as Maskhadov's successor, the chairman of the Chechen State Council, Taus Dzhabrailov, said none of them, including Akhmad Fairuz, Sheikh Abdulkalim and Saidullayev, could become a credible rebel leader.

    He said the alleged appointment of new Chechen rebel leaders "shows there is panic and chaos among the guerrilla leaders," Interfax reported. Enditem