21.10.99
STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON THE SITUATION IN THE CHECHEN REPUBLIC AND MEASURES TO SETTLE IT
STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON THE SITUATION IN THE CHECHEN REPUBLIC AND MEASURES TO SETTLE IT
The anti-terrorist operation in Chechnya has become a logical response of the state to the challenge posed to the whole Russian society and the international community. The first part of the operation has been completed with the liberation of one-third of the territory of the Republic from terrorists.
The Government of the Russian Federation declares that it will continue to act with the same determination and toughness in seeking full restoration of law and order on the entire territory of the Chechen Republic, the liberation of Chechnya from terrorist and other bandit units. The Chechen Republic cannot be and will no longer be an outpost of international terrorism and extremism.
At the same time the Government of the Russian Federation is unambiguously stating that the struggle against terrorists and bandits should not in any way turn into a struggle directed against the peoples of Chechnya.
The Government of the Russian Federation reaffirms its position regarding the amnesty of those participants in the conflict who were not directly involved in terrorist acts. We are categorically against persecution of people on ethnic grounds. This is inadmissible.
Putting down terrorism and armed extremism on Russian land is an internal affair of the Russian Federation. At the same time it is our duty to the whole international community.
Russia's struggle against terrorism and crime, including the shutting off of transnational channels meets with understanding in the world. This is natural because protecting human rights and freedoms is a direct duty of any state.
The firm and consistent line of the President of the Russian Federation and the Government for the settlement of the situation in Chechnya, the restoration of peaceful and calm life on the whole territory of Russia have the support of the overwhelming majority of the citizens of our country, including the civilian population in the Chechen Republic.
The Government of the Russian Federation is open to dialog with those political forces in the
Chechen Republic which are prepared to:
- abide by the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia;
- condemn terrorism in all its manifestations;
- disarm the illegal armed units and turn in to the Federal authorities the persons guilty of perpetrating terrorist acts, the taking of hostages and banditry;
- free all the hostages on the territory of Chechnya;
- ensure respect of human rights and basic freedoms;
- create conditions for the safe return of the people who have been forced to leave their places of residence.
All the issues of political settlement of the situation in the Chechen Republic must and will be solved at the negotiating table. The way toward it is open.
The inhabitants of Chechnya as citizens of our country must know that they will have the protection and assistance of the Government of the Russian Federation. In their actions the federal authorities firmly proceeds from the interests of every people of Russia and the unity of the multinational Russian people.
We remember all those who gave their lives in fulfilling their military and civic duty.
We remember the innocent victims of terror.
The government thanks the Russian servicemen, the members of the law-enforcement bodies, the volunteer fighters and all those who today have assumed the immense responsibility and heavy burden to defend the interests of the Homeland.
The Government of the Russian Federation sets the highest store by the wisdom and restraint of the Russian citizens.
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