August, 1, 2005

A.Idigov: "Nobody has the right to change the Constitution of CHRI"

The interview of news Agency DAYMOHK with the plenipotentiary of Parliament of the Chechen Republic Ichkeria in foreign countries Akhiad Idigov.

Information "DAYMOHK": Akhiad Idigov. The chairman of the first Parliament of the Chechen Republic Ichkerija within 1993-1997 years. During the first Rassian-Chechen war from 1994 to 1996 took active participation in the organization of political work against occupation of CHRI. The participant of the Chechen-Russian negotiations between 1993-1996. Since 1997 in the second parliament, he - had been the head of committee of external communications of Parliament CHRI. Since 2000 has conducted the work abroad and appeared to be the Plenipotentiary of parliament abroad.

- Assalaimu Ialaikum, Akhiad! What is the reason of, in your opinion, so fierce aversion of independence of CHRI by the Kremlin?

A.Idigov: Va Ialaikum assalam! There are two starting points to which refer when thinking of the Russian - Chechen question: the first idea comes from that, the times of joining of Chechnia to imperial Russia have left in the far past, as well as the colonization of the American Indians, and nothing, they say, to stir old. On this basis here in Chechnia bring to an integral part of present Russian Federation - Russia .

Certainly, similar can be said concerning other peoples from the USSR if to follow this logic. You see they, as well as Chechen people, had restored the states, after collapse of empire. Not Moscow has created territories which had existed before the formation of the Russian empire, and these territories had created the Russian empire which collapsed in 1991, and many of them were older colonies, than Chechnia. One may ask, why do they have right to have their state recognized all over the world, and Chechen people does not have this right? After all the conditions of disorder of empire for all were absolutely identical.

The second point of view comes from, that while determining the controversial issues these days, it is necessary to rely on only modern international law (m.p). elaborated on the basis of thousand-year old experience of mankind.

However Soviet Union used to disorganize wilfully, with the offence against international law and the legislation of the USSR . This means that the participants in disorder of empire even were not going to, initially, think about rights of peoples of former empire. Destruction of empire, was promoted by struggle for authority, and the confirmation to that is that in authority there stayed the same gavernors in imperial ferment. Since the very first days the new Kremlin had been planning the revival of the Russian empire. In this connection, "unrecognized" Chechnia was considered to be a starting point from which the former empire should revive. Therefore Moscow began to attach the major value to conquest CHR-Ichkeria. Being the hostage of this wrong idea, the Kremlin loses to the West struggle for an influence on other territories - " near foreign countries ". In a word, while the Kremlin unsuccessfully beats for colonization of Chechnia, it has lost the sight of its blue dream about the revival of empire.

- What is, in your opinion, the basis of to speak about legality of declaration of the Chechen state in 1991?

A.Idigov: When in the USSR they approved the law on increase of the status of autonomous republics in the allied status (April, 26 1990y), Chechen people for the first time had an opportunity to express their will concerning their the future.Traditionally the referendum was carried out. It was the centuries-old form of interrogation of people (Mekhk-Kkhel). Here each 1000 people were directed to one elector authorized from these people.

It is remarkable, that here there were electors from Chechen diaspore from all the world. The forum referred to as the National Congress of Chechen People (in chechen language Mekhk-Kkhel). This forum - referendum (more than one thousand electors) has unanimously made the decision, in november, 25, 1990, about the declaration of the independent Chechen state. It is necessary to note, that in this forum bosses of authority of Chechen-Ingush Republic (CHIR), on that moment includeding in USSR , took part also. Similar practice of voting exists till now in the USA when they make the most important decisions of the country.

Chechen people on that referendum has declared the independent state, and in november, 27, 1990 the Supreme Soviet of the Checheno-Ingush Republic accepted " the Declaration on independence of the Checheno-Ingush Republic ", this decision was also recognized by BS RSFSR, that was a recognition of independence of the Chechen state. BS CHIR itself was dismissed in September, 6, 1991, in connection with change of the status of republic. The authority was elected in october, 27, 1991 - the president and parliament of the Chechen Republic which legitimacy was confirmed with representatives about 30 states of the world. And the authority elected by Chechen people began to work from acceptance of the Decree of President Dudaev and the Decision of Parliament of the Chechen Republic " About the state sovereignty of the Chechen Republic ". The legitimate authority declared independence of the Chechen state, relying on will of Chechen people - a referendum in November, 25, 1990. An authority could not be against people - it simply executed its duty!

This is the basic trump in hands of our people, appropriate with current international law. One of the sides ( USSR ) which according to international law should have agreed to a detachment from empire, had disappeared from a political map of the world. And Chechen people took an advantage of this chance which the history had offered it.

If the USSR had been survived, I am convinced, it voluntary would not have given the permission for the formation of the new countries - Russian Federation - Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia etc. And all these countries became the independent states, having declared about it unilaterally, because of disappearance of the USSR . Similiarly did Chechen people. How much is it fair that the world does not recognize CHR-Ichkeria? After all it, in the same way, without less right, than the countries of the CIS, declared the independence.

I shall note also about what some people, though all of this is very much conditional, for some reason wrongly argue, considering, that if Checheno-Ingush ASSR was a part of RSFSR, even in stay of the USSR and after disorder of USSR , Chechnia, ostensibly, should remain as a part of new Russian Federation - Russia ! Why? These reasonings contradict the international law. Besides Checheno-Ingush ASSR, in April, 26, 1990, left the structure of RSFSR, even before the collapse of the USSR (December 1991y.).

The Kremlin gives the big importance to a question of legitimacy of authority CHR-Ichkeria. That is why the question of discredit of the Chechen state and a cancellation of the Constitution of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, accepted in march, 12, 1992, represents one of main issue for Moscow. And the Chechen people, conducting courageous struggle against the Russian aggressor, face the opposite problem - not to allow it.

There were attempts of the Kremlin to make it through the pressure upon President Dzhohara Dudaev and Parliament of the Chechen Republic . Not having received desirable result, the Kremlin in November, 1994 decided to set an aggressive war against our country. This step, from the part of Russian Federation - Russia is criminal. Well, it is known, that on the Nuremberg process the aggression is qualified as a crime. And these are not hollow words, they may be realized, and an example to that is ex - president of Yugoslavia which, with his company is being judged in Hague.

Moscow sufferred defeat in war in 1996, it had to remove the armies from Chechnia and to conclude an armistice. Chechens were disposed on peaceful mutual relation with Russian Federation - Russia . They carried out in january, 27, 1997, the next elections, having elected the new President - A.Maskhadov and Parliament of CHR-Ichkeria, authority maintained the succession. Elections in our country were carried out under the legislation sovereign of CHR-Ichkeria, and they were recognized as OSCE and observers from almost 200 countries of the world. The Kremlin had recognized legality of elections in Chechnia too. I shall note, that the President of Russian Federation- Russia B.Eltsin had officially recognized an inaccuracy in undoing of the war against CHR-Ichkeria.

However, having replaced the old president, the new governors of the Kremlin did not listened to B.Eltsin who had addressed the successor with the followin words: " do not lead to war ". In Moscow they did not accept a recognition of the Chechen state, they blocked Chechnia from an external world, having broken conditions of " Contracts about the world " May, 12, 1997. Still is made gamble on, to destabilize a situation in CHR-Ichkeria by use of any kind of methods. There were attempts directed to cancellation of the Constitution.

Now many ask: " Why did separate figures, that times in Chechnia, create staffs for the cancellation of the functioning constitution? " It was clear, that there was no higly conditions for free expression of opinion by the people and if the authority had given in to this, it would have lost its legitimacy. Today these " politician - travellers " were recoloured and they do not try to remind about it. But did they became different?

Having passed the all tests of durability, the Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria remains the basic document of Chechen people indicating that in Chechnia there was and is an legitimately elected authority by the will of Chechen people. And this moment is capable of exposing a crime against our people. The Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria is also the document of the future for our people, at any outcome of a military opposition between our countries.

Therefore, we should know, that nothing should be made so from our side, that even at one moment the authority of CHR-Ichkeria would be deprived from its legitimacies. To return legitimacy to authority, this is a problem far from easy. Think, how much effort was necessary to apply to our people in order to receive this athority? We are obliged to distinguish all those who under any sauce, are engaged in a question of deprivation from legitimacy of people's power.

- You speak about the Constitution, legitimacy, but the Chechen Resistance does not wish to hear about it. Everythin points to that CHRI is an Islamic country with shariat government. And the Kremlin, from its side, declares, that in the Chechen Republic there already exists a new elected authority.

A.Idigov: In Europe there are not few states which have written in their constitutions, that the state religion of their countries is the Roman Catholic church. And it should not be written down at all if in these countries natively predominate the population, professing this or that religion, which appropriately is said about these countries, that they are christian or islamic, or anything else. In the Chechen constitution it is written down, that the islam is the state religion, and is told, that for everyone the respect of his sights and beliefs _, is guaranteed by an item of 4 Constitutions of CHR-Ichkeria. And if Chechens name the state as Islamic, there is no tragedy in it, you see everyone knows, that Chechens profess an islam.

I think, knowing well the character of Chechens, the passions around Islamic way of life of the Chechen resistance are played by Moscow which tries to represent our people as the monsters and a criminals. It is tightened to the criminal affairs and orthodox church. What has brought today in Chechnia" the new order " of Russians? Ruin, death, drugs, vodka, criminality and immorality.

Chechens do not speak: christian terrorists or christian bandits about the Russian soldiers attacking their dwellings. They name them "inhumans" (Adamash datsuzush). The islam in Chechnia always was a purse uniting force in struggle against colonizers. And today association of our efforts to keep people is proved. And confession with the elements of radical inclination, our people do not accept, and it is known well from a history. Is it conceivable, that so small people, in so small territory, without belief in moral ablution can unite the forces for struggle against such invader?

With what is it possible to replace today in Chechnia this moral principles which serve defense and preservation of Chechen people? With references and appeals to the Kremlin to observe international law? Or to appeal to the international community to solve the problem of observance of human rights in Chechnia? But it does not has an effect at all, thus, emphasizing the weakness while protecting not numerous peoples. War has shown Chechens, that for protection of our statehood and people, only poorly advanced principles of protection of human rights are not enough to be guided. And both christians and moslems always addressed to the God during emancipating wars.

But the constitutional basis of our lawful state is not changed, and the authority keeps legitimacy. In Chechnia nobody has the right to change Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria, this right belongs only to the Chechen people to decide which is necessary under condition of its free will. In the territory of Chechnia , for the last 6 years, there have been no necessary condition for realization of a referendum. And this condition is the requirement of the international law and an item 16 of Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria. And only, the arisen problems due to military occupation by Russian Federation- Russia of our country, do not enable Chechen people to involve fully the position of Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria.

Within the limits of active Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria, the law " About defense " assumes, that the president of the country, in case of war, should provide the parliament with emergency powers on the organization of defense of the country, which was done. Actions of the president are controlled by the law and clauses of the constitution.

And, as you can see, the elected authority continues to act according to the legislation of the country, following its principles and spirit, even in these most difficult conditions of occupation of our country. And to speak about that Chechen people has refused the Constitution of CHR-Ichkeria is not necessary. Struggle of Chechens to the Kremlin is not lost. Our victory is still more ahead.

And what power may have in this case so-called "referendum" and " elections of the president and parliament ", carried out by occupational forces of puppets in the territory of Chechnia , where goes the war on? Nothing. From the point of view of international law and the Constitution of CHR - Ichkeria they do not have power . And all know about it. These elections are not recognized also at the international level. Therefore to speak about legitimate authority in the territory of Chechnia , except of the authority of CHR-Ichkeria, is not necessary.

- Worldwide the Kremlin distributes an opinion, that the Chechen Resistance was transformed into terrorist organization. How much are these accusations grounded to address of Resistance? What you may tell about?

A.Idigov: As is known, the concept of terrorism in the world has not received still final definition. is it casual? Were these competent people in the world became extinct? The terrorism exists for centuries, and its definition is not present till now! Does not it resemble to manipulation which is called to hide from us the real criminals of the organization of terror? For the governments of some countries of the world, especially for Moscow , this is dangerous concept.

The matter is that the known treatment is not considered, for some reason, final: " the Terrorism is a threat of application of violence or its application is usual against civil persons, for intimidation or to receive the control above a situation in political, religious or other purposes ". We see, that this definition is applied for, that does the Kremlin for more than ten years against Chechen people, having made aggression against our country.

Does not it follow from what the Russian state is engaged in Chechnia in usual terrorism? This usual continuation of Lenin " works on terror ". The Kremlin and Duma are zealous and accept mass of documents, confirming, thus, its terrorist essence. You see, has somebody seen even one document with the signature of Maskhadov or Parliament of CHR-Ichkeria with such sense of contents? Certainly, no! They purposefully oppose this evil coming from Moscow .

The Kremlin never does it, it does not blame itself for the death of people in the territory of Chechnia and Russian Federation - Russia - the Northeast, Beslan and in other cities. what does it speak for? Let' have a look at so-called Russian intelligency, entirely immoral, dissolute, with some exception. Look at their faces, and what they speak about the Chechen question - Shakurov, Basiashvili, Soljenitsin, Zolotukhin, Govorukhin, Leontiev, Lukin - this is a parody to human rights, Mikhailov and others. How many are they throwing stones directly to Chechen people? Not considering themselves as morally responsible for an events in Chechnia. Will these people treat sincerely their own people? We remember, how Chechens gave in hundreds of Russian soldier and the officers captivated in this war. Gave to Russian mothers, deputies of Duma and simply released, only because that they did not want the war. The released Russian Bandits again came back! Compare morals of the first and the second.

Russian declare, that territory of Chechnia belongs to them! until now neither Americans, nor Englishmen could not guess. They do not declare, that territories of Afghanistan , Iraq or Yugoslavia belong to them. And the Kremlin labels for Chechens - are Islamic terrorists (not knowing the meaning of this word), as it is in fable of Krilov: " you are guilty because you are desirable for me to eat! ".

Who are then all this gang of murderers, beginnig from Grachaev, Troshina, Kulikova, Deinekin, Barsukov, Shamanov, Kazantsev, Pulikovski, Kvashnin, and similar criminals? If to look at known, yet not completed, definition of terrorism all this gang are the leaders of separate terrorist structures in Russian Federation - Russia . And Chechens, following this logic - are antiterrorists.

Shamil Basaev offered all of them to stop acts of terrorism and to proceed the observance of international law in questions of war. Russians have kept silent, it is clear for them, that they will revealed. Reciprocal actions of Chechens are directed not against peace people, though they use them, and it is caused, desire to stop this war and to conclude the world. It do not want in the Kremlin! Why?

The Chechen government opposes similar (Russian) methods of conducting war and condemns everyone who endangers lifes of peace people. As a rule, participants of these actions almost everyone operate independently. At each of them husbands, wives, children and parents are killed.

Russian terrorism is erected in a rank of a state policy not today. It is centuries-old essence of its statehood. And new Russian Federation- Russia is sick this illness. They have killed presidents Dudaeva and Mashadova lawfully elected by the Chechen people. They with it send and on international scene - murder of ex-president Z.Janderbieva in Qatar . Therefore definitely it is possible to tell, that for the termination of Russian acts of terrorism, as well as the Chechen actions, it is necessary to struggle with its source and, mainly, with the Russian terrorism.

Since 1994 Moscow almost has not left a place in territory Chechnia where it poured out on heads of peace people a killing cargo - bombs, rockets, shells... it has killed more than 250 thousand persons, about 50 thousand from them - children, about the crippled destinies and to speak to not have. Chechens sincerely sympathize with the peace people which have lost in the Russian cities, and with whom it happened in London , Madrid , New York . To us the nature of similar actions is well-known. And when acts of terrorism happen in the West, it is difficult for Putin to restrain to not nake latest of the teeth, you see it to it on benefit, is counted by it.

- How you think, in what essence of a position of the West on a question of the A°A?A±A±A?A®-Chechen mutual relation? How it influences the sanction of a problem, you see the various initiatives which are starting with Europe and USA are known?

A.Idigov: If we attentively shall peer into all initiatives (plans of the world) on this question, proceeding with the West at once to rush to eyes their dominant component - the groundless statement of that A—A?A·A?A­A?A? is an integral part of present Russian Federation- Russia. I spoke about it right at the beginning of our conversation. It is necessary to note, that all accepted decisions on question Chechnia in the international organizations - in the PASS, Europarliament, the Commission of the United Nations under human rights and in the majority public organizations, base not on the right of Chechen people and working international law, and on the any statement, that " Chechnia there is a part of Russian Federation - Russia "!

And if you will not operate here in this channel, by consideration of the Chechen question "will not be understood". I had to collide in 2001 similar rejections in the Commission of the United Nations under human rights in Geneva .

When I have acted with a statement of the Chechen position and have declared that I act here not only from Transnational Radical Party (A'A?A?), but also on behalf of the independent Chechen state and Chechen people, here all plunged into such confusion that the microphone was switched - off even. And this party then has agreed with the common statement of a question, that Chechnia - a part of Russian Federation- Russia though my statement was coordinated with them. For them it was very insulting, they start well.

There is a question: whether probably through western " plans of the world " to stop the Russian-Chechen war and to establish peace relations between belligerent parties? Or, whether probably through this approach to start negotiating process, without preliminary conditions? We with confidence may tell, that any of these questions is not solved.

Denying in " plans of the world " the Chechen statehood proclaimed in 1991, causes avertion all Chechen people and Resistance. Chechens understand, that his criminal actions against Chechen people try to hand over them on "at the mercy" to the Kremlin, thus, justifying all. Simultaneously, it looks, as attempt to accuse Chechen people that he has proclaimed independence of the state.

The consent to accept similar " the plan of the world " on behalf of Chechen people, would mean approval of that Chechnia was and there is a component of new Russian Federation- Russia! In this case, necessity to carry on at the Kremlin disappears political negotiations with the Chechen side, as such side any more will not be.

The recognition authority CHR-Ichkeria similar " plans of the world ", on understanding of the West, may result to that Russian Federation- Russia to agree with decision making SB the United Nations where it has the right Veto in which it will be stipulated that in 10-15 years the Kremlin will give OK to formation of the Chechen, independent democratic state, under the international home nursing. For this purpose it is supposed to enter for this period in Chechnia peace-making forces, atteched to authority (the international guardianship) that it for this time has prepared a situation for realization of democratic elections in Chechnia!

Whether it threatens with loss of independence and legitimate authority CHR-Ichkeria?

To us it is clear, that the present Kremlin can not agree and with an idea that sometime chechnia "will be disconnected" from Russian Federation - Russia . And to this false bias Moscow has come by means of the West which in infringement of international law tries to bring our country under Russian Federation - Russia . In Moscow consider, that this "loss" will cause disorder of Russian Federation - Russia ! And if were entered, under any kind, the international (western) forces, for future "detachment" Chechnia it would look at them, as the consent of the Kremlin to disorder of Russian Federation - Russia, not speaking that is lost there would be a fight for revival of " Great Russia ". Clearly, that with it president Putin, which may not agree has come to power due to that has organized military campaign against CHR-Ichkeria, promising the electorate "to solve" this problem finally.

From here to us it is clear, that the Kremlin may not go on peace talks, it became the hostage " wars up to the victorious end ". And denying legitimacy of authority Chechenia elected in 1991, western " plans of the world " do not serve business of the termination of war in Chechnia and already and on all Northern Caucasus.

Therefore Putin peace proposals of President Maskhadov, seeing in it irritated threat of the personal authority. You see the peace agreement with the Chechen president without a victory would put him in ridiculous position when he declares, that war two years as it was finished.

And the Chechen side is obliged all this to take into account, it is impossible to be always on dog's lead at the western or Russian interests. I think, in this direction has well proved recently created Associations of Protection of the Sovereignty of the Chechen Republic Ichkeria which operates uncompromisingly in the main thing and it is competent for prospect.

Actually, the West is in fight with the Kremlin for influence on the postSoviet space, and this struggle proceeds. Prospect of its results not for the benefit of Russian Federation - Russia . The west is interested in extraction for itself benefit from the Russian-Chechen war untied by the Kremlin with the purpose of revival of empire on the postSoviet space. But it was not included into plans of the western countries, and war this has played absolutely other role for the Russian Federation - Russia . Now, as all of us see, war to become threat for the Russian Federation- Russia, and the Kremlin is strengthened tries to give visibility of legitimacy to an occupational puppet clique in territory CHR-Ichkeria. The situation is similar to a trap for the Kremlin, therefore it all more yielding to the West on all " near foreign countries " and not only there.

"DAYMOHK", 01.08.05.

http://chechenpress.co.uk/english/news/2005/08/01/05.shtml