EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/344

(2004/C 88 E/0351)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1287/03

by Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission

(31 March 2003)

Subject: Macabre electoral farce in Chechnya

Several newspapers, including The Financial Times, Le Monde and Libération, as well as eye-witness reports, state that the ‘referendum’ organised by the Kremlin on Sunday, 23 March on the adoption of a new ‘constitution’ by the people of Chechnya — and Russian troops — was conducted in a completely irregular manner. According to the Russian authorities, 65 % of the electorate took part in the vote and 95 % of the voters who went to the polling booths voted in favour of the ‘constitution’ proposed by the Kremlin. However, according to the information gathered by various international correspondents, the polling stations were equipped with ‘supplementary electoral rolls’ which made all kinds of manipulation possible, to the extent that a French journalist even managed to add his name to the electoral roll and vote at polling station No 372. According to the same reports, a bus service was organised to take groups of ‘voters’ from one polling station to another in order to give the impression of a constant flow of voters and, in all likelihood, to swell the ‘supplementary rolls’ with new voters. Lastly, according to a representative of the OSCE, who emphasised that he was not there as an observer, the circumstances surrounding the organisation and conduct of the vote were ‘far from ideal’.

Does the Commission consider that the statements by its spokesman, to the effect that the referendum might represent a firm step towards a political solution that would satisfy the majority of the Chechens, square with the information which suggests that it was no more than a macabre electoral farce organised by the Kremlin? Will the Commission rectify without delay the irresponsible statements made by its spokesman, and clearly indicate to the authorities of the Russian Federation that it cannot be taken in by such crass behaviour, which is far removed from democratic practices and from the criteria that govern Russia's membership of the Council of Europe? Will the Commission take genuine steps to induce Mr Putin and Mr Maskhadov to negotiate a political solution to the Chechen tragedy?

Answer given by M. Patten on behalf of the Commission

(15 April 2003)

According to information provided by the Russian authorities, voter turnout in the constitutional referendum, which took place in Chechnya on Sunday 23 March 2003, is estimated at 85 %. The vote in favour of the draft constitution was 95 %.

The Commission did not monitor the referendum. The Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) (Organisation on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)), which sent an expert team to the Russian republic at the time of the poll, also concluded in advance that it could not monitor the referendum on account, inter alia, of the security situation in Chechnya. ODIHR did, however, note that many inhabitants of Chechnya and internally displaced persons hope that the referendum will lead to a political process and bring peace and stability.

The Commission is aware of reports of certain irregularities that took place during the vote. The Commission, nevertheless, hopes that the referendum may mark a first step towards a political solution to the Chechnya conflict and to the re-establishment of the rule of law in the republic.

As the Commission's spokesman stated in the aftermath of the referendum, this can only be achieved, if serious efforts are taken to address a number of issues, which have been repeatedly raised by the Commission in the context of the Union's political dialogue with Russia. The Commission position is that Russia should pursue a political, inclusive, solution, which must respect Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. There should be an immediate end to disappearances and human rights violations followed by the thorough, independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Russia should also guarantee that there will be no forced return of internally displaced persons, as well as permit the safe and effective delivery of humanitarian aid. This position is reflected in discussions on a resolution on Chechnya at the 59th United Nations Committee on Human Rights (UNCHR), which is now in session in Geneva.

The Commission will closely follow developments in the coming months, in particular the Russian intention to negotiate a treaty between the federal centre and Chechnya — clarifying Chechnya's status in the Russian Federation — and proposed Presidential and Duma elections for the republic.