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Laurent Vinatier's Column
Article published in 08/03/2005 Issue

By Laurent VINATIER, researcher specialized on Chechen issue in Baku

Translated by Marie ANDERSON

The background of a Russian-Chechen round table
It must take place this month. The round table that was proposed by the Council of Europe aims to quite an ambitious objective: to re-engage Russians and Chechens in dialogue and to take steps towards helping a peace process. The death of President Aslan Maskhadov, chief of resistance, on March 8th, 2005 during a special operation of Russian forces, changes nothing in this imperative. Its disappearing should not put an end to conflict. Resistance in Chechnya would continue despite the death of Maskhadov. Combatants and military chiefs in Chechnya may not give up. Time is to support efforts.

This round table is probably the first thought through, potentially relevant, if not useful, European attempt since 2002 for peace in Chechnya. So let’s give a chance to Andreas Gross, the Council of Europe’s rapporteur on Chechnya who initiated this project.

In last October, while this project was just being drafted, the idea appeared to be perfect. He was to manage to gather in Strasburg, under the aegis of Council of Europe’s deputies, Russian officials – from the Parliament, Ministries and the president’s office – and Chechen representatives supporting the stances of the rebels organized around Aslan Maskhadov. The Council of Europe could have then pride itself on having forced the belligerents of a bloody and exceptionnaly violent war, of which the population is the first victim, to officially get in touch again. The last official meeting, which was particularly quick, took place in 2001.

The article will be soon available in English.
http://www.caucaz.com/home_eng/breve_contenu.php?id=134