Dzasokhov said Zakayev told him about Maskhadov's intention at midnight on 3 September 2004, one hour before Russian troops stormed the school.
The Beslan tragedy claimed more than 330 lives, including many children.
Russia blames the hostage-takers for the bloodshed. But survivors and victims' relatives question the official account of events.
(NEWSru.com, Kavkazsky Uzel, Interfax)