Chairman's statement on the situation in the Republic of Chechnya, Russian Federation

VIENNA, 12 January 1995 - The Chairman of the Permanent Council of the OSCE issued the following statement today:

The Chairman of the Permanent Council

- on the basis of the consensus achieved in the Permanent Council,

- conscious of the deep concern expressed by participating States regarding recent tragic events in Chechnya and, especially, the serious violations of human rights and international law,

- urges the immediate cessation of the hostilities and the beginning of negotiations aimed at the political settlement of the crisis respecting fully the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and on the basis of its Constitution and OSCE principles,

- reiterates that full respect for all OSCE principles and implementation of all OSCE commitments, including those relating to the human dimension constitute a matter of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States,

- stresses the need for an active and urgent OSCE involvement in the long-term stabilization of the region and in the reestablishment of democratic order and institutions in the Republic of Chechnya,

- takes note with satisfaction of the readiness of the Russian Federation to cooperate within the OSCE for the achievement of these objectives,

- expresses full political support for the efforts of participating States aimed at easing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the region through the provision of humanitarian assistance, the unhindered delivery of which must be ensured,

- expresses his satisfaction regarding the support of participating States for the Chairmanship's efforts in its contacts with the Russian Government in order to facilitate OSCE's contribution to the settlement of the crisis through political means,

- welcomes the readiness of the Russian Federation to elaborate further the details of the assistance of the OSCE could provide in the settlement of the crisis, with special emphasis on ensuring respect for human rights, the restoration of constitutional order and the preparation, as soon as possible, of free and fair elections, and, to this end, further discuss ways and means of concrete co-operation with the Personal representative of the Chairman-in-Office,

- further welcomes the readiness of the Russian Federation to enable the personal representative to organize an early mission to Chechnya, accompanied by representatives of the Secretary General and the ODIHR,

- supports all steps aimed at beginning a political process for the elimination of the consequences of the crisis and leading to a lasting political and constitutional solution with the broadest possible participation,

- expresses his intention to keep the issue under consideration in the Permanent Council.