Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov denounces terrorismTimur Aliyev, North Caucasus – Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov denounces terrorist attacks as unacceptable means of fighting for independence. This position is affirmed in two documents signed by him, both of which have recently been made public. They were “Resolution of the State Defense Committee” and “Statement with regard to the hostage-taking on 23 October in Moscow”.
President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (ChRI), who is not recognized by the Kremlin, condemned any acts directed against civilian population, stating that “infringement of the lives and natural rights of civilians for reaching military and political aims is intolerable.”
Maskhadov publicly denies his involvement in the recent terrorist act in Moscow. He says that the leadership of ChRI “categorically disclaims its participation in this crime”. Deploring the actions related to the theatre siege in Moscow “whatever the goals and whoever the hostage takers were,” Maskhadov expressed his condolences to “all victims, the families and relatives of the people who were killed and mutilated in this hostage-tragedy.”
Judicial bodies of ChRI, subordinate to Maskhadov, are to collect information about the possible initiator of the hostage raid, Shamil Basayev. The Prosecutor’s office and the Shariah court have been delegated to examine “the statement of the head of the Military Committee, Shamil Basayev concerning his participation in the events of 23 – 26 October in Moscow.”
Basayev’s statement was published on 1 November on the Kavkaz Center web site. The Chechen commander claimed responsibility for organizing the Moscow hostage siege. “I ask President of ChRI, Aslan Maskhadov, to accept my resignation from all my posts, and I also ask my brothers in fighting for forgiveness for concealing the preparation and realization of this event,” said Basayev.
According to Chechen Internet resources, until his resignation Basayev headed the Military Committee – a structure established to coordinate the united forces of Chechen fighters. In reality it was him who actually led military operations of Chechen fighters.
As stated in a document signed by Maskhadov, Basayev is temporarily removed from all his posts until a Shariah court adopts the resolution on this matter and shall only remain the commander of an intelligence and reconnaissance unit.
In support of his peaceful initiatives, Maskhadov concludes that he is prepared “to hold a political dialogue under no preliminary terms”.
Editor's note: The Russian authorities accuse Aslan Maskhadov of being aware of the preparation of the hostage-taking in Moscow and call his statements propaganda tricks. Last Sunday Russian President Vladimir Putin ruled out talks with him.
(P/T) RELATED ARTICLES:
· Statement with regard to the hostage-taking on 23 October in Moscow (in Russian)
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