Zakayev's appeal to Chechen hostage-takers in MoscowSpecial representative of the President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Akhmad Zakayev appeals to Chechens who have taken hostages in the Nord-Ost theatre in Moscow
Bismillahyirrohmanirrohim!
Salaam alaikum, brothers and sisters!
A representative of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (ChRI), Vice-Premier of the Government of the ChRI Akhmad Zakayev is addressing you. President of the ChRI Aslan Maskhadov is carefully observing the situation concerning your action. Although we understand the motives which instigated you to make the desperate, extreme moves, we cannot become similar to our enemy who is unscrupulous to reach his goal.
I'm in touch with our President Aslan Maskhadov. He is concerned about you and about those whom you are holding. Your requirements have a political character. Their fulfilment needs political will of the Russian leadership. On his part, President of the ChRI assures you that his representatives are ready to immediately and without any pre-conditions establish contact to discuss measures aimed at a political solution. He thanks you for humanity towards children.
At the same time, we are very concerned by Russian special services' information disseminated by the media that you are allegedly ready to start shooting the people you are holding. Our President calls on your circumspection and cautions you against hasty moves. Do not forget that you face those who spilled the blood of hundreds of thousands of the same civilians whom you are holding.
Allahu akbar!
Chechenpress, 26 October 2002
An unofficial translation by Prague Watchdog. (T) |
