Chechnya: Human Rights Watch
Says Referendum A 'Strange' Idea
Moscow, 29 January 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Anna Neistat, the Moscow representative of
Human Rights Watch, said today that holding a constitutional referendum in Chechnya
while Russian soldiers account for one-sixth of the voting population there
is "strange."
Russian troops permanently stationed in Chechnya, estimated at between 21,000
and 23,000 soldiers, will be allowed to vote in the 23 March referendum that is
set to approve a new constitution.
Neistat also said it is strange that Russia is "currently closing the door to
international observers." Russia closed down the Chechen office of the Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on 31 December, effectively putting
an end to all international observation in the breakaway republic.
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said yesterday that Russia will consider
welcoming OSCE members into Chechnya to observe the constitutional referendum,
which is due to be followed by presidential and legislative polls.
Human rights groups have widely criticized holding a poll while clashes continue
between federal troops and Chechen rebels.