DATE=11/17/1999
TYPE=EDITORIAL
TITLE=EDITORIAL: RUSSIA'S POLICY IN CHECHNYA
NUMBER=0-08534
CONTENT=
THIS IS THE ONLY EDITORIAL BEING RELEASED
FOR BROADCAST 11/17/99.
Anncr: The Voice of America presents differing
points of view on a wide variety of issues. Next,
an editorial expressing the policies of the United
States Government:
Voice: Russian artillery and aircraft continue to
strike across Chechnya, causing numerous
casualties and driving tens of thousands of
families from their homes. As many as two-hundred
thousand persons have been displaced, most pouring
into neighboring Ingushetia. Some were kept from
fleeing the fighting when Russian authorities
closed the Chechnya-Ingushetia border. Russian
air and artillery strikes have caused widespread
civilian deaths in Chechnya.
Chechnya is part of the Russian Federation and
Russia has a responsibility to maintain law and
order within its territory. But the Russian army
has used indiscriminate force. It has attacked
civilians and bombed homes and marketplaces. When
the fighting began some six weeks ago, Russia said
its objectives were limited to subduing bandits
hiding in Chechnya's mountains. The Russian army,
however, is doing more than this.
The United States shares Russia's stated goal of
security and stability in the north Caucasus. But
pursuing a military solution in Chechnya is
counterproductive. Russia needs to avoid civilian
casualties and permit a free flow of displaced
persons. Russia needs to work with leaders of
other states in the region to prevent the spread
of instability. And Russia needs to commit itself
to a political process and begin a dialogue with
local leaders.
The United States calls on Russia to follow
through on its stated intention to seek a
political solution. The U.S. will continue to
press the Russian government to change its policy
on Chechnya and respect the rights of all citizens
of the Russian Federation.
Anncr: That was an editorial expressing the
policies of the United States Government. If you
have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A,
Washington, D-C, 20547, U-S-A. You may also
comment at www-dot-voa-dot-gov-slash-editorials,
or fax us at (202) 619-1043.
16-Nov-1999 14:50 PM EDT (16-Nov-1999 1950 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
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