The Week in Brief: April 2 - April 8, 2001
Mon, April 2
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced disagreement with some parts of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, read at the 57th session of the United Nations Commission for Human Rights. On Tuesday Vladimir Kalamanov, special presidential plenipotentiary for human rights in Chechnya, said Mary Robinson could not find its role in the implementation of stability and peace in Chechnya, in contrast to Council of Europe’s top representatives Alvaro Gil-Robles and Walter Schwimmer.
Tue, April 3
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Federation speech at the State Duma that the army had fulfilled its major tasks and was leaving Chechnya. It is a serious result, however, its cost is high and the threat of new crimes is still too high, Putin added.
Wed, April 4
No major events.
Thu, April 5
Umar Khanbiev, Health Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, read at the hearings of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva a report on the use by Russian troops of banned types of weapons, including chemical ones.
Fri, April 6
No major events.
Sat, April 7
Several thousand Chechens held an antiwar rally in the Chechen capital Grozny. The protesters called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya and the launch of talks with Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov. After three hours the demonstration was dispersed by local pro-Moscow militia and several people were arrested.
Sun, April 8
No major events.
Compiled by Prague Watchdog
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