Follow-up to Recommendation 1456 (2000) - Implementation by Russia of Recommendation 1444 (2000)

Doc. 8736

2 May 2000

Follow-up to Recommendation 1456 (2000) - Implementation by Russia of Recommendation 1444 (2000)

Communication

President of the Assembly

Statement by the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on the position of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly on the situation in the Chechen Republic (Moscow, 12 April 2000)

The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation deplores the position of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the issue of the situation in the Chechen Republic, and the Assembly decision limiting the credentials of the delegation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The State Duma declares its support for the stand taken by the delegation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation at the PACE Spring session, and regards the decision to discontinue participation in the Assembly activities as fully justified.

The bodies of State power of the Russian Federation have noted the PACE Recommendation 1444 (2000) of January 27, 2000 with due attention. Specific steps confirming good will, openness and readiness of the Russian side for dialogue have been undertaken. Nevertheless, the discussion on the situation in the Chechen Republic in the course of the PACE Spring session has shown that many members of the Assembly clearly underestimate the scale of terrorism threat, rely on biased information and are affected by emotions.

The State Duma strongly condemns human rights violations in the Chechen Republic and shall insist on investigating them and bringing the culprits to account. At the same time, members of the State Duma strongly disagree with attempts to ignore the capital difference between the activities of terrorists and of those who are compelled to combat this evil.

The antiterrorist operation in the Chechen Repulic is being conducted neither against the Chechen people nor Against Muslims, but is aimed at combating armed rebels, terrorists and foreign mercenaries who have trampled down human rights and freedoms. The Joined Armed Forces Group in the North Caucasus acts in the name of restorating democracy and human rights in the Chechen Republic and safeguarding the territorial integrity and constitutional order of the Russian Federation.

The State Duma stands for promoting efforts aimed at restoring peaceful life in the area where the antiterrorist operation is being undertaken as well as at rendering assistance to those who have suffered. The Commission of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on the Normalisation of Political, Social and Economic Situation and Protection of Human Rights in the Chechen Republic is to play a significant role in achieving this aim.

Undoubtedly, a lasting settlement of the situation in the Chechen Republic is possible only through political means. However, a cease-fire and launching of negotiations depend directly on the militants' readiness to lay down arms and abandon terrorist activities. Perplexing is the PACE's reluctance to recognise that negotiations are possible only with those Chechen leaders who have renounced terrorism and violence.

Attempts to isolate Russia shall only play into the lands of extremists, damage the comprehensive settlement of the situation in the North Caucasus, reforms in Russia, and shall have a negative impact on all-European co-operation.

Groundless and unjust is the Assembly's decision not to recognise in full the credentials of the delegation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This rash position of the Assembly's majority has seriously complicated the interaction between the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Parliamentary Assembly. Sanctions, infringement of rights and unilateral diktat towards Russia are unacceptable. The resumption of full-scale co-operation shall only be possible after this discriminatory stand is abandoned.

At the same time, the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, proceeding from common aims of strengthening democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and determined fight against international terrorism and separatism, reaffirms its fundamental interest in continuing constructive dialogue and co-operation with the Council of Europe. Such co-operation, based on full mutual respect, can play a major role in the future of Europe.