OSCE Assistance Group in Chechnya mediates talks in Grozny

VIENNA, 20 June 1995 - Talks aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Chechnya took place 19 June at the headquarters of the OSCE Assistance Group in Grozny. The resumption of negotiations, which began on 25 May, was facilitated by a decree of Russian Federation Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin dated 18 June. Participating in the talks on the Federal side were Mr. V.A. Mikhaylov, Mr. A.I. Vol'skiy, Mr. N.I. Semonov, and General-Colonel A.S. Kulikov. The Dudayev side was represented by Mr. Usman Imayev and Mr. Amat Zakayev. The meeting was chaired by the Head of the OSCE Assistance Group, Mr. Szándor Mészáros.

The morning session, which began at 9:45 a.m. local time, was devoted to the resolution of the hostage crisis in Budennovsk. Members of the delegations held telephone conversations with Prime Minister Chernomyrdin and with Shamil Basayev, who was holding the hostages. The afternoon session, which lasted until 7:00 p.m., determined the working order for negotiations and groups of issues to be discussed and resolved, including military, political and economic issues. Immediate priority among these was given to the group of military questions. All sides were in agreement that issues to be discussed and resolved included the cessation of hostilities, mutual liberation of all persons detained by force, and cessation of all terrorist actions and sabotage. Also examined were the question of disarmament and related issues.

Negotiations are continuing 20 June at the headquarters of the OSCE Assistance Group in Grozny.