Maskhadov appoints Salambek Maigov new envoy to RussiaTimur Aliyev, North Caucausus, February 12 – In a decree of February 3, 2003, Aslan Maskhadov appointed Salambek Maigov the new envoy of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria to the Russian Federation.
In line with the decree the appointment came “in connection with the necessity to intensify political activity aimed at seeking ways for regulating the military and political conflict between the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria and the Russian Federation.”
When commenting on his appointment, Salambek Maigov, the chairman of the Russian Eurasian Party, said his main task as Maskhadov´s envoy would be to create a bridge between the Russian leadership and Ichkeria´s representatives. “It is necessary to initiate peace talks as soon as possible,” Maigov said.
In his view, only “legitimately elected representatives, Maskhadov and the Chechen parliament” can be the counterparts of the Russian leadership during the talks.
Maigov believes peace in Chechnya is not possible without a complete cease-fire in the country.
He stressed that it is inappropriate to compare him in any way with Akhmed Zakayev. “I was appointed Maskhadov´s envoy primarily in Russia and have replaced Mairbek Vachagayev,” he said.
According to Lyoma Shakhmurzayev, the director of the “Lamast” Institute, the appointment of a “Moscow-based Chechen”, who was not part of Chechnya´s political life for several years in late 1990s, testifies to the fact that Maskhadov wishes to make concessions to Moscow.
During the 1996-97 presidential campaign in Chechnya, Salambek Maigov was one of Maskhadov´s political opponents. (O/T) RELATED ARTICLES:
· An interview with Salambek Maigov (Ekho Moskvy, 13. 2. 2003, in Russian)
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