CHECHNYA PEACE FORUM

PRESS RELEASE 12-08-09

ABDURAKHMANOV AND ZAKAEV: TALKS IN LONDON

Following groundbreaking talks in Oslo last month, the Chechnya Peace Forum has mediated the latest dialogue between Dukhvakha Abdurakhmanov (Representative of the Russian authorities in
Moscow) and Akhmed Zakaev (Prime Minister of the Maskhadov continuation government). Taking place in London, these are the most recent of meetings between both sides, forming part of the first
consultations in nine years to resolve the conflict in Chechnya.

Commenting on the talks in London Dukhvakha Abdurakhmanov, (Representative of the Russian authorities in Moscow) said:
"The objectives of my meetings and official dialogue with Akhmed Zakaev are to strengthen political stability with the ultimate goal of consolidating the Chechen nation.
"As a result of our consultations in London we are united in calling on the independent World Chechen Congress to progress these discussions and take the process forward."

Akhmed Zakaev (Prime Minister of the Maskhadov continuation government) added:
"As a result of the consultations which have just ended in London, we have come to a unanimous conclusion about the necessity to convene the World Chechen Congress. The Congress will enable us to work out a joint political platform on all crucial issues facing the Chechen people today, and in the future."

Ivar Amundsen, Director of the Chechnya Peace Forum said:
"In my capacity as the mediator of these talks in London, I am delighted that both parties in these Russian-Chechen consultations have taken an important step towards transforming the geopolitical
landscape which can have a radical impact in both Russia and Chechnya. By reaching an agreement on the need to convene the World Chechen Congress, the prospects for Chechen-Russian relations
and the Chechen people are going in the right direction for the first time in 20 years."

Ends

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