| FROM THE CONFLICT ZONE Bulletin of HRC
"Memorial" January 2006 Europe is Preparing for Peacekeeping, Forgetting about Mass Human Rights Abuse? In the end of January 2006 in the northern regions of Sweden joint military trainings are taking place of the 19th regiment of armed forces of Sweden and the 138th motor-rifle brigade of the Russian Federation. In 1999-2000 the motor-rifle brigade participated in the military actions in the Chechen Republic and it shows up in cases of grave human rights crimes: enforced disappearances, torture, summary executions, mass fatalities among the civilian population as a result of aerial attacks on a settlement. Such grave crimes against civilians committed in the course of armed conflict usually remain unpunished. European institutions, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and European Union necessity to address impunity. Human Rights Center "Memorial" states that international cooperation with security services of the Russian Federation, including international military cooperation, should likewise be conducive to overcoming impunity in respect of war crimes and crimes against humanity. At least, the states and the public of the countries which participate in such cooperation with Russia should be informed about the possible involvement of certain security agencies and commanders in crimes. |