Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Statement

24/06/2003

ILYAS AKHMADOV THANKS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR THE AWARD OF THE PASSPORT FOR FREEDOM AND CALLS BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TO TELL PRESIDENT PUTIN TO END RUSSIA S GENOCIDAL WAR IN CHECHNYA

Ilyas Akhmadov, the Foreign Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, issued today a statement welcoming the award of the Passport for Freedom* by Members of the European Parliament on Friday and urging European governments to “join thousands of distinguished Europeans that have been tirelessly calling for actions to end  Russia s war in Chechnya.

Ilyas Akhmadov said:

I am greatly honored by the award of the Passport for Freedom. I deeply thank the distinguished Members of the European Parliament.

I view this as recognition of the heroic struggle of the Chechen people to uphold their legitimate rights and freedoms and as a protest of the European Parliamentarians against the genocidal war in Chechnya.

I remain hopeful that European governments will join thousands of distinguished Europeans that have been tirelessly calling for actions to end Russia s genocidal war in Chechnya.

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair at his today s meeting with Russian President will have a brilliant opportunity to make a step forward. The British Prime Minister should tell President Putin to end the state of terror and the climate of impunity that his governmental structures have deliberately imposed on the Chechen people. Not only the Chechen and Russian peoples, but also European public is calling for peace and justice in Chechnya .

* Note: Passports for Freedoms are awarded by Members of the European Parliament to people whose safety and freedom are threatened as a result of their actions in favor of human rights and of the respect of the fundamental freedoms.