WRITTEN QUESTION E-0086/00

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(24 January 2000)

Subject: Situation in Chechnya

What is the state of play as regards the EU's initiatives relating to the war in Chechnya, given that the Russian Government and its army are still causing horrendous loss of life and damage to property in a situation which cannot reasonably be resolved other than through the acceptance of democratic self-determination for the Chechan nation, which for historical reasons is quite distinct from the Russian nation and which is demonstrating a clear political will?

Reply

(2 May 2000)

The Helsinki European Council adopted a declaration on the conflict in Chechnya, condemning the position adopted by Russia toward that Republic.

In that declaration, the following consequences were drawn from the Russian attitude:

- review of the implementation of the Common Strategy on Russia;

- suspension of certain provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and strict application of the trade provisions;

- transfer of funds from TACIS to humanitarian assistance;

- limitation of finance in the budget for 2000 to priority areas, including human rights, the rule of law, support for civil society and nuclear safety.

In addition, an appeal was made to the OSCE and the Council of Europe to review, in their field of competence, their cooperation with Russia.

The Portuguese Presidency's work plan for implementation of the Common Strategy on Russia was presented this January. It was reviewed in the light of the Helsinki declaration and the conclusions of the General Affairs Council on 24 January 2000.

At its meetings on 24 January and 14 and 15 February 2000, the General Affairs Council discussed the situation in North Caucasus. Russia was immediately called upon to comply with the principles recognised by the European Union, in particular the rule of law, respect for human rights, and freedom of information and of the media. While recognising the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, the Council reiterated the concern caused to the European Union by the continued violence in Chechnya. It condemned the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force by Russia in the territory, which had led to a worsening of the humanitarian situation and had worrying effects on the civilian population.

Among the conclusions adopted, the following should also be noted:

- the appeal made for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and the opening of dialogue between the Russian Government and the Chechen representatives;

- the importance of avoiding any spread of the conflict;

- the need to permit the OSCE to resume fieldwork in the area;

- support for the efforts of the Council of Europe and the OSCE for a peaceful settlement of the conflict;

- concern about the fate of Russian journalist Andrei Babitski, who disappeared on 16 January 2000.

The Troika of the European Union made a démarche in Moscow on 11 February 2000, in the course of which they questioned the Kremlin coordinator for media in North Caucasus, Mr Sergei Yastrzhembski, about the fate of Andrei Babitski. At that time, Russia promised to provide, within two days, an unofficial document on the legal bases for the detention of the journalist Andrei Babitski by the Russian forces and the events which followed. The document was supplied on 21 February 2000. On 25 February, Babitski reappeared in Daghestan.

On 25 February the Presidency made a démarche in Moscow to Mr Gusarov and Mr Ivanov, respectively Deputy Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and to the Director of European Affairs at the Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr Chizhov, during which it raised, among other things, the question of human rights in North Caucasus.

The Presidency has been maintaining close contact for some time with Mr Kalamanov, recently appointed by Russia as the President's emissary for human rights in Chechnya. On 24 February, the Troika made a démarche to Mr Kalamanov, in the course of which it called for all those who are known to be involved in human rights violations to be investigated and held criminally responsible for their actions. In the addition, the need for an international presence in North Caucasus was stressed, together with the urgent need to ensure respect for human rights in Chechnya and neighbouring territories.

At the same time, political dialogue between the European Union and Russia is being maintained, given the importance of overall strategic partnership with Moscow. This dialogue has been used to advance the European Union's position on Chechnya and to insist on a speedy settlement of the problem through political dialogue. In addition, the Council is supporting in a coordinated manner the efforts toward the same end on the part of the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE and the Council of Europe.