Die Tageszeitung

Akhmed Zakayev - West keeps silence with regard to Chechnya and encourages terror

Joshka Fischer is leaving for Moscow - He is not going to speak with Putin about infringement of human rights.

"taz": Mr. Zakayev, today Joshka Fischer is leaving for Moscow. What was he to tell Putin about war in Chechnya?

Zakayev: After the explosion on the Moscow metro railway last week, Putin made President Aslan Maskhadov responsible for this terrorist act. Fischer should have convinced Putin that peace negotiations only is the way out of the existing situation, that his policy is wrong, and it is contrary to the interests of Russia and Germany. But Fischer will not tell this.

"taz": Why?

Zakayev: Fischer, as well as almost all Western politicians, has put the criticism of war in Chechnya on an altar of pragmatism. It is more important for the West to have peaceful relations with Putin. It is not only the double moral - it also encourages those who want to continue the armed conflict at any cost. And the West fails to realize the most principal thing. Putin, and that's ignored, is a man of KGB. The West considers him to be their friend supporting the reforms and fighting against international terrorism. But it is a farce.

"taz": At what extent?

Zakayev: You know what is happening in Russia today. Putin is for complete abolition of free media and for persecution of political opponents. And this will continue. Those, who believe that Russia and KGB, that has brought Putin to power, will stop, are mistaken. Russia is steadily moving to fascism.

"taz": To fascism? You are exaggerating. Putin has come to power as a result of elections and not coup de tat, hasn't he?

Zakayev: In spite of this. The last elections proved that victory was gained by national-fascist forces. At present political discussion is defined by two slogans: "destruction of the black", i.e. Caucasians, and "struggle against the businessmen Jews", like Khodorkovsky or Berezovsky. And Putin dictates his political conditions to Europe. The fact that extremist Vladimir Zhirinovsky heads the delegation at PACE is a demonstration of it. One can speak about the political bankruptcy when EC ignores this signal.

"taz": How can the West influence? Much cannot be achieved by statements and protests only.

Zakayev: Nevertheless. Russia depends on Europe, so, it is a chance to exert influence. Clear criticism of Putin's policy should not be overlooked. Russia is the member of a number of international organizations, and has undertaken certain commitments. It is necessary to force Russia to meet its engagements. But the West simply makes no notice of it, and Russia breaks these treaties in Chechnya. No wonder that Russian government considers this inattention to the problem on the part of the West as a carte blanche to act even more aggressively.

"taz": Mr. Zakayev, the conflict in Chechnya has two sides: one can speak of Russian aggression and terrorist acts committed by the Chechens against the civilians in Russia. You are Vice Premier in emigration of the government of Aslan Maskhadov. What do you do not to give way to radicalization of the Chechen society?

Zakayev: One can speak about radicalization at present, - in particular, both in Chechen an in Russian society. After each "zachistka" operation carried out by the Russian Army in Chechnya, new small groupings come into being, which are not controlled by anyone. These young people know nothing but humiliation and violence. They are driven to despair. They are aware that head of western states still support Putin at various international forums. These groups are extremely harmful for us, for government in emigration, and for everyone who is interested in resolution to the conflict through peace negotiations, as each terrorist act causes in the West the approval of Putin's policy.

"taz": Is it possible to consider that Maskhadov and you have lost the influence in connection with escalation of violence?

Zakayev: One can exert political influence only in case one is the subject of political process. At present Maskhadov and I are completely excluded from the political process. We can only represent our position, and we definitely declare: we are ready to give up armed struggle. We announce that terrorist acts against the civilians in Russia are absolutely inadmissible to us. We are ready to start talks and settle all questions by means of peace negotiations. But Russia is not the state we can rely on. Russia has announced several amnesties. However, those who trusted then Putin's promises and Russian justice, have disappeared and are either missing or are already dead. Therefore, we say: we will never capitulate. Never.

"Die Tageszeitung", 13.02.04

InoSMI.Ru

http://www.chechenpress.info/english/news/2004/02/14/04.shtml