News from the Washington File

17 December 1999
Text: U.S.-EU Statement on Chechnya

(Issued at U.S.-EU Summit in Washington December 17) (490)
[The following statement was issued at the U.S.-European Union Summit
in Washington, D.C., December 17. The text is available on the web
site of the U.S. Mission to the European Union -
http://www.useu.be/summit/summit1299.html]
(begin text)
U.S.-European Union Summit
Washington, D.C.
U.S.-EU SUMMIT STATEMENT ON CHECHNYA 
December 17, 1999
The United States and the European Union are deeply concerned about
the situation in Chechnya. We recognize Russia's right to uphold its
territorial integrity and to defend its citizens from terrorism and
lawlessness, and we condemn terrorism in all its manifestations. But
we believe that Russia's military tactics in Chechnya are undermining
its objectives, creating a humanitarian crisis, endangering innocent
civilians, and jeopardizing stability throughout the Caucasus region.
A military solution to the conflict is not possible. We call for an
immediate and lasting cease-fire throughout Chechnya and a political
dialogue that can lead to a durable solution to the crisis.
The indiscriminate use of force against civilians is unacceptable.
Providing for the safety of innocent civilians is a fundamental
obligation of all states. We call on Russia to respect this principle
unconditionally.
We stress that the respect for the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of neighboring states is a fundamental principle of the
international system. WE are concerned by the impact of the Chechnya
conflict on security throughout the Caucasus and stress the importance
of avoiding steps that would further undermine regional security.
Displaced persons should be allowed full freedom of movement. Russian
and regional authorities must provide for their well being. The United
States and the EU strongly support the courageous efforts of
international relief organizations, including the UN High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC), to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced people and
others affected by the conflict. We ask Russia to work constructively
with these organizations and ensure security for their personnel and
access for their operations.
The OSCE Istanbul Summit Declaration noted that the OSCE could
contribute to finding a political solution to the conflict. We are
encouraged that OSCE Chairman-in-Office Vollebaek was able to visit
the North Caucasus. We support his efforts to promote a political
dialogue as well as the continuing role of the OSCE in finding a
lasting solution to the conflict. We believe that an office of the
OSCE Assistance Group should be opened in neighboring Ingushetiya to
monitor the humanitarian situation. We call on Russia to respect all
of the commitments it has made in the framework of the OSCE. In that
regard, we acknowledge Prime Minister Putin's statements that he has
held talks with representatives of Chechen President Maskhodov and
urge continuation of meaningful discussions with responsible Chechen
leaders.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State)
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Text: U.S.-EU Statement on Chechnya
