Statement on the recent suicide attacks in ChechnyaMay 16, 2003
The destruction of the Russian Federal Security
Services compound in Znamenskoe on 12 May, followed by
the suicide attack in the village of Iliskhan-Yurt on
Wednesday, underscores the necessity of negotiations
with the legitimate and democratically elected
government of Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov. This
wave of suicide attacks leaves no room for illusion:
Chechnya needs peace, and needs it now.
Years of indiscriminate warfare, characterized by
Russia's policy of collective terrorization and
humiliation towards the Chechen people, has created a
climate of impunity and an atmosphere of hopelessness
and desperation. Sadly, Russia's genocidal policies
have led marginal elements in our society to embrace
terror and death. While the government of the Chechen
Republic of Ichkeria categorically and unconditionally
rejects suicide attacks and condemns all acts of
terrorism, regardless of who may perpetrate them, a
just peace is ultimately the only way to prevent this
deeply alarming trend.
We therefore urge the government of the Russian
Federation to close this chapter of war and
destruction; to introduce a ceasefire; and to launch
transparent, unconditional negotiations genuinely
designed to resolve the centuries old Russo-Chechen
conflict. A lasting political solution ultimately is
in the best interests of both the Russian and Chechen
peoples.
The Chechen people stand in solidarity with those
nations faithfully engaged in the battle against
international terrorism. Accordingly, we renew our
call for an international war crimes tribunal to
investigate atrocities within the Chechen Republic of
Ichkeria and punish those guilty of war crimes and
crimes against humanity.
We also call upon the European Union, its member
states, and the United States of America to assist
Chechnya and Russia, though mediation, in ending the
conflict and overcoming its painful legacies. Only a
genuine political solution will free the Chechen and
Russian peoples from this vicious circle of violence
and destruction.
Press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
ministry@chechnya-mfa.info
http://www.chechnya-mfa.info (T) |
