DATE=11/8/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - RUSSIA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255947
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States says Russia's use of
indiscriminate military force in Chechnya is not in
keeping with its commitments to the Geneva Conventions
on humanitarian treatment in conflicts. From the State
Department, V-O-A's Kyle King reports.
TEXT: U-S officials are again appealing to Russia to
seek a negotiated solution to the conflict in
Chechnya. Renewed fighting there has forced some 200-
thousand civilians from their homes.
U-S officials say they are concerned about the
escalating violence and the indiscriminate use of
Russian military force against civilians.
State Department spokesman James Rubin says Russia has
failed to live up to its commitments under the Geneva
Conventions.
/// FIRST RUBIN ACT ///
The indiscriminate use of force and the impact
of the escalation on innocent civilians is a
matter of deep concern to us. There are
obligations under the Geneva Conventions and
obligations under the OSCE [Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe] code of
conduct on political and military aspects of
security and our analysis indicates the conduct
of Russia's current campaign is not in keeping
with these commitments.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Rubin declined to describe Russian actions as a
violation of the Geneva Conventions. He said he was
not prepared to discuss what he described as possible
remedies.
Russia says its attacks in Chechnya have been aimed at
only at rebel positions. Chechen officials say the
attacks have caused extensive civilian casualties.
Chechen leaders have appealed to President Clinton to
help end the assault. Mr. Rubin says a letter was
faxed to the President September 30th, but there have
been no contacts with the Chechen government.
The State Department spokesman says Russian officials
should consider an outside mediator to help stop the
bloodshed.
/// SECOND RUBIN ACT ///
We urge the Russians to pursue a political
strategy to end the conflict. To consider third
party intermediaries and to ensure the safety of
displaced persons.
/// END ACT ///
Officials say they expect Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright to discuss the issue with Russian officials
by telephone in the coming days. The subject is also
expected to be high on the agenda of next week's
gathering of heads of state from the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe. President
Clinton and other leaders will meet November 18th and
19th in Istanbul, Turkey. (Signed)
NEB/kbk/gm
08-Nov-1999 16:42 PM EDT (08-Nov-1999 2142 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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