OSCE Assistance Group for Chechnya starts work in Grozny

VIENNA, 26 April 1995 - The OSCE Assistance Group for the Chechen Republic begins work in Grozny, the Chechen capital, today. The team of six diplomats led by Ambassador Sandor Meszaros of Hungary, will work from their base in central Grozny. The Group plans to open branch offices in the neighboring republics of Dagestan and Ingushetia soon.

The OSCE Assistance Group was established by the OSCE Permanent Council on 11 April to perform the following tasks:- promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and establishment of facts concerning their violation; help foster the development of democratic institutions and processes, including the restoration of the local organs of authority; assist in the preparation of possible new constitutional agreements and in the holding and monitoring of elections;- facilitate the delivery of the region by international and non-governmental organizations of humanitarian aid for victims of the crisis, wherever they may by located;- provide assistance to the authorities of the Russian Federation and to international organizations in ensuring the speediest possible return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes in the crisis region;- Promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis and the stabilization of the situation in the Chechen Republic in conformity with the principle of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and in accordance with OSCE principles and pursue dialogue and negotiations, as appropriate, through participation of "round tables", with a view to establishing a cease-fire and eliminating sources of tension; - support the creation of mechanisms guaranteeing the rule of law, public safety and law and order.

Following are the names of the Assistance Group members:

Amb. Sandor Meszaros, Head of Assistance Group (Hungary); Mr. Zenon Kuchciak (Poland); Mr. Oliver Pelen (France); Mr. Philip N. Remler (USA); Ms. Heidi Tagliavini (Switzerland); Mr. Sten Wadensjö (Sweden).