MEPs adopted a joint resolution on the situation in Chechnya. The House welcomes the Russian Duma’s invitation to the ad hoc delegation to Chechnya and thanks the Russian authorities for organising the visit. MEPs are of the opinion that there are several causes for this war: the struggle for independence, a deterioration in the rule of law leading to mounting crime, the emergence of a ‘failed state’, obscure economic activities, terrorism and violent repression.[1] As to a resolution of the conflict, the House notes that all political, diplomatic, security and civilian means should be applied in order to regain the confidence of the population [2]  and the House stresses that there cannot be a military solution to the conflict. MEPs call on the Russian Government to reform the ‘rules of engagement’ on the spot, taking into account the necessity to improve the relationship with Chechen citizens.

The House also condemns all terrorist attacks in Chechnya and considers that the total eradication of terrorism in the province is also part of the international fight against terrorism. Parliament reiterates its concern at, and firm condemnation of, the persistent and recurring mass violations of humanitarian law and human rights committed against the civilian population by Russian forces, which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity that must be investigated and prosecuted, as well as the attacks, the violations and the kidnappings of paramilitary and guerrilla groups.

MEPs regard a referendum as a first step towards normalisation in the region [3], but call for an ongoing political process involving all parts of Chechen society, with a view to holding truly democratic and fully representative elections by the end of the year. Parliament also invites the Council to put in place long-term election monitoring in order to support the preparation of free and fair elections. [4] Finally, the House calls on the Council to prepare, in cooperation with the European Parliament, a conference on Chechnya to which the Russian authorities, representatives of all parts [5] of Chechen society, the OSCE and the Council of Europe will be invited. MEPs also reiterate their call on the Council to appoint a special envoy for the Caucasus in order to enhance the profile of the EU in the region and contribute more effectively to the solution of the ongoing problems.[6]

Press enquiries:
Joëlle Fiss
(Strasbourg) tel.(33) 3 881 73656
(Brussels) tel.(32-2) 28 41075
e-mail : jfiss@europarl.eu.int

Source: European Parliament.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comment:

[1] The main cause is missing: the systematic large scale human rights violations by Russian federal forces *independently* from any necessity to repress terrorism or any criminal activity.

[2] This is much too vague. Also Moscow is saying that.

[3] I'm afraid that all these appeals will fall on deaf ears on the Chechen side so long Europe will continue to sustain the so called "referendum" or Putin's "Stalinian democracy".

[4] Its much too late. Presidential elections are in October and for that time nothing really truthworthy and "democratic" can be organized, with or without monitors. They should simply say the truth: the referendum and the elections are a farce and the whole thing should eventually be done all from the beginning with Maskhadov running also in these elections.

[5] Really all? They should say that representatives of Maskhadov are included then but it is certainly no coincidence that he hasn't even been mentioned.

[6] Still too vague and insufficient: what can a single envoy do? They should state clearly that a massive set of observers should be free to move everywhere and at every time they want on any square meter of Chechnya also without the presence of Russian authorities. Otherwise that would be a useless farce if not to save their "profile" indeed. M.M.