DATE=11/11/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L)
NUMBER=2-256050
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A European security organization mission has
cut short a fact-finding mission to the northern
Caucasus after being refused entry to Chechnya. V-O-A
Correspondent Peter Heinlein in Moscow reports the
delegation's leader is calling for urgent action to
help refugees fleeing Russian air and artillery
attacks.
TEXT: Members of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe mission left the Caucasus region
Thursday, saying they were appalled by what they
called the "alarming" plight of Chechen refugees.
Norwegian diplomat Kim Traavik, the delegation leader,
says the team saw first hand evidence of a
humanitarian crisis.
/// TRAAVIK ACT ///
I do think that we have had a very clear indication
that there is a very serious humanitarian problem.
/// END ACT ///
After witnessing conditions in refugee camps along the
Chechen border Wednesday, Mr. Traavik was quoted as
saying the war had reached a stage where it was no
longer an internal Russian affair.
But later he admitted there is little the
international community can do to help the refugees
unless Russia cooperates.
The O-S-C-E team had hoped to travel into Chechnya,
but left after Russian officials refused to allow them
access. Instead, they flew back to Moscow for
meetings with foreign ministry officials to press
their appeal for an increase in humanitarian
assistance. There was no immediate word on Russia's
reaction.
The O-S-C-E mission is expected to prepare a report to
be presented to the organization's summit meeting next
week in Istanbul. Chechnya is shaping up as one of
the dominant issues at the summit, which will bring
together heads of state and government from 54 member
nations.
/// OPT /// The Kremlin has indicated President
Boris Yeltsin will attend the gathering, although he
has not been to his office this month, and has been
almost absent from public view since Russia began its
military offensive in Chechnya more than two months
ago.
/// OPT /// If Mr. Yeltsin is not able to attend
the summit, he will likely be replaced by Prime
Minister Vladimir Putin, the chief architect of the
war strategy. /// END OPT ///
But despite the fierce criticism of the war and the
humanitarian crisis that is certain to be heard at the
Istanbul summit, Russian officials seem in no mood
to compromise.
Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov told reporters in
Helsinki Thursday that an end to the military
offensive in Chechnya could come only when Chechens
surrender.
In separate remarks, Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev
was quoted as saying military operations could be over
by the end of the year. He too, however, spoke only
of an end when Russia's conditions are met.
But senior Russian field commanders have warned the
campaign could drag on for up to three years. And
Chechen leaders have vowed to wage a guerrilla
campaign as long as Russian forces remain in the
breakaway region. (Signed)
NEB/PFH/JWH/JP
11-Nov-1999 11:23 AM EDT (11-Nov-1999 1623 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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