The Council of Europe Fails
to Meet Its Commitments with Regard to Chechnya
January 21, 2003
This is the opinion of the head of Russian human rights organization "Memorial"
Oleg Orlov. In his words, the Europeans can exert a serious pressure on Moscow,
but they do it according to their understanding of "subtle political matter" only.
Making comments on the recent visit of the head of PACE-Duma joint parliament
group Lord Judd in Moscow, Orlov notes that he is not ready to assess the "Chechen"
activity of this European politician, however he can state that he has heard
Lord Judd's almost incompatible versions on the events - sharp criticism of Moscow's
actions in Chechnya to almost complimentary appraisal of the Russian leaders.
According to Orlov's suggestions, it is the Council of Europe, and especially
the policy pursued by the European governments that should be blamed for
the "political correctness" of the PACE with regard to Russia and Chechnya. Orlov
reminds of the political demarche of the PACE which took place two years
ago, temporarily depriving the Russian delegation of the right to vote. It was
then that this organization ran across the indulgence on the part of the Council
of the Ministers of the EU member countries furthering the restoration of the
status quo.
Orlov is sure that EU and PACE are able to exert a serious pressure on Russia
with regard to Chechnya, only if they are "willing" to do so. Europe, says Orlov,
should require of Russia observance of elementary human rights in Chechnya, as
minimum. As maximum, in Orlov's opinion, Europe should press Moscow for peace
negotiations between the Kremlin and the leader of the Chechen Resistance Movement,
legitimate President of Ichkeria Aslan Maskhadov.