OSCE back in Chechnya: A major breakthrough

ZNAMENSKOYE, 15 June 2001 (OSCE) - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, visited Chechnya today on the occasion of the official inauguration of the OSCE Assistance Group office in Znamenskoye (northern Chechnya).

He met with the Head of the Chechen administration, Mr. Akhmad Kadyrov, the Head of the Nadterechny district administration, Mr. A. Zavgaev, the Special Representative of the President for ensuring Human Rights and Freedom of People and Citizens, Mr. Vladimir Kalamanov, as well as other senior political and military officials. Mr. Geoana expressed his satisfaction at the fruitful outcome of a difficult negotiation process on the return of the Assistance Group. "Having OSCE back in Chechnya is a major breakthrough for the Organization," he said.

Mr. Geoana commended the Russian Federation for the co-operation rendered to this effort. "Where there is a will there is a way", said the Chairman-in-Office.

He also underscored the need for full implementation of the Group's mandate, as approved in April 1995.

Referring to human rights issues the Romanian Minister stressed the importance the OSCE attaches to the individuals of Chechnya. Humanitarian projects were discussed with Mr. Kadyrov during their visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, close to Znamenskoye. They reiterated the urgent need for renewed international assistance in the return of IDPs and refugees. On this occasion the Chairman in Office stressed his full support for the implementation of projects aimed at alleviating the suffering of children in Chechnya.

"An important phase of our effort has ended. The most difficult has yet to come. The OSCE Assistance Group stands ready to facilitate a political settlement of the crisis", affirmed Mr. Geoana.

He expressed his conviction that Romanian Ambassador Alexandru Cornea, Head of the Assistance Group, who officially took office on this occasion, would be able to engage both the local and federal authorities in a constructive dialogue to the benefit of Chechnya, the Russian Federation as a whole, and the OSCE community.

--

For further information, please contact Josue Anselmo, OSCE Spokesperson, mobile (+43) 664 325 3698, or the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180, or e-mail: info@osce.org