Sweden and Europe should give a chance to Khanbiev for Peace in Chechnya
SWEDEN AND EUROPE SHOULD GIVE A CHANCE TO KHANBIEV FOR PEACE IN CHECHNYA
"It is remarkable but not surprising that European Union governments do not assume opportunities for dialogue with Chechnya’s legitimate and moderate representatives. I regret that the government of Sweden does not give priority to attending the peace conference to be held in Stockholm on October 30, where high level Chechen representative Mr Oumar Khanbiev will be present." This was stated by Mr Marino Busdachin, General Secretary of The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), in which Chechnya is represented by the Maskhadov government.
Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs had originally taken on a progressive approach. It agreed to send a representative to the conference, organized by the peace organization Svenska Freds. Oumar Khanbiev main representative abroad of the government of Chechnya announced he would attend the conference. Following this the Embassy of Russia denounced its participation. A few days later the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden decided to withdraw from participation as well.
"Unfortunately the Swedish government’s decision not to attend reflects a general attitude of the European Union governments - continues Mr Busdachin - It is unfortunate, since a fair and lasting peace can only be achieved if the government of Russia negotiates with legitimate representatives of the Chechen people."
The government of Sweden argues that contacts with Chechen representatives are neither necessary nor a priority. Therefore Sweden refuses any kind of contact with Mr Oumar Khanbiev during his visit to Stockholm.
"The EU stands for a subordinate Pontus Pilatus style policy on Chechnya - the UNPO General Secretary says. The peace plan presented by the legitimate Chechen government aims for an interim UN administration in Chechnya. The peace plan shows that Mr Khanbiev strives for constructive talks with Russia – an approach that ought to be rewarded by democratic countries."
For more information please contact: UNPO General Secretariat - Tel. +31 70 3646504
The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is a democratic, international membership organization, giving a voice to 55 peoples and 150 million individuals world-wide .Its members are indigenous peoples, occupied nations, minorities and independent states or territories who have joined together to protect their human and cultural rights, preserve their environments, and to find non-violent solutions to conflicts which affect them. UNPO provides a legitimate and established international forum for member aspirations and assists its members in effective participation at an international level.
Although UNPO members have different goals and aspirations, they share one condition – they are not represented in major international fora, such as the United Nations. As a result, their ability to participate in the international community and to have their concerns addressed by the global bodies mandated to protect human rights and address conflict, is limited.
UNPO is dedicated to the five principles enshrined
in its Charter: Non-violence, Human Rights, Self-determination and democracy,
Environmental Protection, and Tolerance.
