WRITTEN QUESTION E-1997/99 by Andre Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Council. Position of the Council on the war in Chechnya.
Date: 1999-11-09
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Chechen question, Eastern Bloc countries, OSCE, Russia, military intervention, war

C 219 E/64

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

1.8.2000

(2000/C 219 E/075)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1997/99

by Andre Brie (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(9 November 1999)

Subject: Position of the Council on the war in Chechnya

In a resolution of 7 October 1999 (B5-0142, 0149, 0158, 0168 and 0177/99) Parliament (cid:145)strongly
condemned the Russian military intervention in Chechnya(cid:146). How will the Council view this position of the
European Parliament on policy towards Russia with special reference to the Chechnya conflict, and is it
indeed prepared to endorse that position?

Reply

(31 January 2000)

The position of the European Parliament expressed in its resolution of 7 October is well reflected in the
conclusions adopted by the Council on 15 November. Here the Council expressed its deep concern, which
it shares with the European Parliament, over the continuing military campaign in the Northern Caucasus. It
condemned all disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force in Chechnya which has given rise to severe
hardship for the civilian population and internally displaced persons. The Council urged the Russian
government to observe its commitments under international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties
and to keep the Chechen-Ingush border open in order to ensure access to safety for internally displaced
persons.

Moreover, the Council underlined the need for a dialogue between the Russian government and the elected
leaders of North Caucasus, including Chechnya, in order to find a political solution to the conflict. In this
context, the Council encouraged the Russian government to use the good offices of the OSCE.

The Council also agreed that the EU would address the issue at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul

As a matter of fact, the Istanbul Summit declaration of 18-19 November 1999, while reaffirming that it
fully acknowledges the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and that it condemns terrorism in all
its forms, has underscored the need to respect OSCE norms.

Paragraph 23 of this declaration precisely address this issue: (cid:145)We agree that in light of the humanitarian
situation in the region it is important to alleviate the hardships of the civilian population, including by
creating appropriate conditions for international organisations to provide humanitarian aid. We agree that
a political solution is essential. and that the assistance of the OSCE would contribute to achieving that
goal. We welcome the willingness of the OSCE to assist in the renewal of a political dialogue. We welcome
the agreement of the Russian Federation to a visit by the Chairman-in-Office to the region. We reaffirm the
existing mandate of the OSCE Assistance Group in Chechnya.
In this regard, we also welcome the
willingness of the Russian Federation to facilitate these steps, which will contribute to creating conditions
for stability, security, and economic prosperity in the region.(cid:146)

(2000/C 219 E/076)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1998/99

by Ioannis Mar(cid:237)nos (PPE-DE) to the Council

(9 November 1999)

Subject: Cyprus and EU accession

Cyprus is an applicant country: its economic performance is enviable and its per capita GNP can compare
with that of the most advanced countries in the Union. On 31 March 1998 the EU began accession
negotiations with this country. Given that 18 months have now elapsed since that date, will the Council