OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President concerned about Chechnya situation

COPENHAGEN, 10 December 1999 - The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mrs. Helle Degn, strongly appealed to the Russian leadership to take immediate steps to protect the civilian population in Chechnya and to observe international humanitarian standards.

Mrs. Degn further calls on the Russian authorities to reconsider its ultimatum to the citizens of Grozny, due to expire tomorow, Saturday 11 December, giving them no other choice than to leave the city or risk injury or death.

The President recalls that at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul last month, Russia accepted that a political solution to the conflict is essential and welcomed the willingness of the OSCE to assist in the renewal of a political dialogue.

Mrs. Degn urgently calls upon the Russian authorities to fulfil their commitments and expresses her hope that the visit to the region next week by OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebæk, will pave the way for a political solution to the conflict in Chechnya and avert further human suffering.For further information and requests for interviews with OSCE parliamentary observers please contact OSCE PA Press Counsellor Jan R.M. Jooren at the International Secretariat in Copenhagen (Tel.+45 33 37 80 40, Fax+45 33 37 80 30)