Yesterday spokesman of the PACE political commission and co-President of
the PACE-Duma working group on Chechnya Lord Judd urged the Russian authorities
to cancel the Constitution Referendum in the Chechen Republic. Lord Judd's
recommendations and his vision of the situation in Chechnya have caused dissatisfaction
in Moscow and Grozny.
Before his departure yesterday Lord Judd reported the journalists in Moscow
on his two-day visit in the North Caucasus - his assessment of the situation
in Chechnya is completely contradicting the point of view of official Russia
regarding the present-day state of affairs in the republic.
There was nothing surprising in it. Lord Judd's impressions after his visits in
Chechnya always causes polemics. Yesterday Lord Judd said that he would advise
Russian authorities and official Grozny "to think once more of the terms of Referendum".
"Unfortunately, judging from what I have seen I cannot admit that the project
was given a careful consideration", - said he and added - "For example, the members
of the PACE delegation have not seen a single person in any of the camps of
Chechen refugees in Ingushetia, who has ever seen the project, to say nothing
of the discussion".
"I have read the project of Constitution, - continued Lord Judd. - But I doubt
that its authors have good intentions. The document is interesting. But people
have to say "yes" or "No" when they country is waging war. But it would not be
very good if after the approval of the project the Constitution could have lost
validity as a result of the referendum". Lord Judd also spoke of the possible
presence of the European observers: "How can they work if there is no guarantee
of elementary security?"
In Lord Judd's words, in order to establish peace in Chechnya, Russian authorities
have to negotiate with the "former enemies". As to Akhmed Zakayev, he is the only
person with whom I had a constructive dialog" - said Lord Judd.
Another member of the PACE delegation Rudolf Binding said a few words at the press
conference, but he said nothing of the Chechen constitution but about the Russian
Prosecutor Generals Office: "The investigations of the crimes committed by the
Russian servicemen against the citizens of Chechnya last two-three years. One
can think that Russian General Prosecutor's Office either is unable or carries
out its activities unwillingly".
On ending the press conference, head of pro-Moscow Chechen administration Akhmat
Kadyrov made a statement in the foyer of the Interfax central office, criticizing
the report of Lord Judd with regard to impossibility of voting and his suggestion
to cancel the referendum. "In order to make conclusions and give advice one has
to stay in the republic longer, - Kadyrov could not cover his indignation.
- Lord Judd spent only half a day in Chechnya and Ingushetia and dares make
serious conclusions. According to our data, there are about 80% extremists and
supporters of Maskhadov in the camps of Ingushetia".(*)
Besides that Head of Chechen administration said that the project of Constitution
is worked out by authoritative public commission, and out of five versions "the
most optimal one has been selected". People are in expectation of the referendum
and elections, so, on 23 March the plebiscite will be held in Chechnya and no
one can hamper it - emphasized Akhmat Kadyrov.
Webauthor's comment: *Given that these data are correct, it seems
that Kadyrov, apparently without being unaware of this, confirms that a vast majority
of Chechens stands on the side of the moderate and legitimate government of Maskhadov
who has always distanced himself from any form of extremism.