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U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

QUESTION: How does the United States feel about the ultimatum which the Russian military have given to civilians in Grozny? Do you feel that - does this fall within the rules for waging war or not?

MR. FOLEY: You're talking about a reported ultimatum, not about what may or may not actually happen. But nevertheless, I can respond clearly though to the report that you allude to.

We are deeply disturbed by reports that the Russians have set a deadline urging residents of Grozny to leave by December 11. This deadline would threaten the old and infirm and others who cannot leave or are afraid to leave Grozny. Notwithstanding the dropping of warning leaflets, Russia still has the obligation to differentiate between lawful and unlawful targets in this conflict. We urge the Russians not to follow through with this ultimatum.

As we have consistently made clear, Russia's military offensive is causing substantial civilian casualties and very large flows of displaced persons. We have strongly and consistently urged all sides to seek a political solution. A purely military solution is not possible. And so we urge Russia to take meaningful steps toward a political solution, including a role for the OSCE. In that regard, let me say that we welcome Russia's invitation to OSCE Chairman- in-Office Vollebaek to visit the North Caucasus on December 14 and 15. We understand the details of the trip are being worked out between the Russian and Norwegian Governments, but we look for a visit that will act fully on the range of issues outlined in the Istanbul Summit Declaration, including support for the political process.

QUESTION: If I could just follow up.

MR. FOLEY: Yes.

QUESTION: If the Russians went ahead and bombarded Grozny in five days' time, would this be a war crime or a violation of the Geneva Conventions?

MR. FOLEY: You're asking me to comment on a hypothetical, you know that it's not our practice to do so. But nevertheless, I think you shouldn't underestimate the significance of the words that I've uttered here. We believe that the ultimatum carries very portentous possibilities if implemented because to implement that ultimatum could, as I said, threaten the old and infirm and others who cannot leave or are afraid to leave Grozny - in other words, innocent civilians - again, if implemented and it would risk subverting Russia's obligation to differentiate between lawful and unlawful targets in this conflict.

So I can't comment on what actually is going to happen. The ultimatum, however, for the reasons I've outlined, is deeply disturbing and so we are urging very strongly that Russia not follow through with the ultimatum.

QUESTION: Jim, what does the US propose insofar as negotiations are concerned? That the Russians should negotiate with the Maskhadov government in Grozny? Does the Maskhadov government represent the radical Islamic fighters? Who would they talk to?

MR. FOLEY: With all respect, you asked the same question to Jamie Rubin last week, and I'd refer you to his answer just in a nutshell, though. He stated that we're not in the business of picking Russia's interlocutors, nor are we urging Russia to negotiate with terrorists. We believe there are political figures; there are credible Chechens whom Russia can negotiate political solutions with.

QUESTION: Do you have anything to say on the territorial program between Nicaragua and the rest? And I want to know if the United States has been contacted to be a mediator in the dispute.

MR. FOLEY: I think we're not seeking a mediation role, but we have been in contact with the parties. We are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging the two governments to work together to resolve this issue as quickly and amicably as possible. Both governments have said - or assured us rather - that although it is certainly a contentious issue, they are looking for diplomatic solutions.

Our top priority, of course, for both countries continues to be recovery from Hurricane Mitch. We consider this a bilateral matter that the two countries need to resolve between themselves. Again, we're encouraging both of them to work together to resolve this dispute as quickly and amicably as possible in accordance with international laws and procedures.

(The briefing concluded at 1:50 P.M.)

[end of document]