Exclusive interview by Akhmed Zakaev to the independent Georgian channel 1 Caucasian
Zviad: How do you see the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria? Should it be an Islamic or a Secular Democratic State?
Akhmed: First of all, I am categorically opposed to setting Islam against democratic principles and values. Islam itself contains basic democratic principles. Today, some deliberately attempt to set Islam and democracy against each other. Meanwhile, the forms of government are to be determined by the internal legislation of the country.
The Chechen state has already determined its priorities in its main law, and changing those laws is the exclusive prerogative of the Chechen people.
Zviad: When Doku Umarov declared the creation of Imarat Kavkaz, you have said that it would be detrimental to Chechnya. Do you still hold this opinion?
Akhmed: Indeed, this project is created against the Chechen people, Chechnya’s independence, and against the peoples living in the North Caucasus who started to think about the necessity of leaving the Russian Federation. This project gave Putin free hand in conducting the current Russian policy. Doku Umarov’s claims that Caucasus Imarat is fighting not only against Russia but also against the United States, England, and Israel were directed at Western audiences. In this case, Putin can conduct repressions against the peoples of North Caucasus while appealing to the West and saying: "do you really want me to allow the creation of a Khaliphate that would be hostile towards you too?” In fact, this is exactly what happened. Two years after my warnings that Caucasus Imarate is a Russian project, Russia has annexed Georgian territories in response to America’s and EU’s recognition of Kosovo’s independence. And whenever Putin was confronted with the question of "why do not Chechens have the same rights of self-determination that Ossetians and Abkhazians have?” the response was granted by Doku Umarov who claimed that "Chechens are not seeking independence anymore and are desiring to establish a worldwide Khaliphate.” This result has exactly served the purpose of this project.
Zviad: Recently, there has appeared a new term on internet, it’s called ChRI-RF (Chechen Republic of Ichkeria within Russian Federation). Have you ever considered this kind of development in exchange for certain agreements with Russia?
Akhmed: Of course not. Chechen Republic of Ichkeria has adopted its own constitution in 1992. This constitution clearly states that Chechnya is an independent sovereign state. Certainly, our constitution allows us to consider or enter association, membership, or allied relations with our partners. However, nothing of this kind is being considered with regards to Russia. First of all, Chechnya must be recognized as an independent state, and then people and the government will determine its strategic allies.
Zviad: Some Chechen websites argue that you are cooperating with Russian intelligence service. Certain people like Akhyad Idigov and Musa Taipov openly claim that you are an FSB agent. They ask Chechens not to go to the Congresses in which you are participating or which you are organizing. Could you comment on that?
Akhmed: Well, Musa Taipov, Alla Dudayeva, and Idigov have their own kind of "artel”. Basically, they are trying to resolve the issues of statehood by private means. However, this is not how it is supposed to be done. The Chechen state has its own structures that are functional. They will continue to function regardless of anything.
Speaking of my connections with FSB, I can say that those who cooperate with FSB should be better informed on that issue. Nonetheless, the reality indicates that I am the number one enemy of this organization... Overall, I do not want to comment on insinuations of deranged individuals. Those are simply sick people and one should not get upset over what they say. This is not an ideological or political issue. Basically, it is an issue of health, and I am not a specialist of these matters.
Zviad: Mr. Zakaev, is that true that Russian authorities numerously proposed you the position of President of Chechnya?
Akhmed: Yes, most certainly, they did. It happened during the 2001 Moscow meeting and in 2006. Most naturally, I have categorically rejected this idea. Because changing personalities will not change the situation at all. Even then, I told Kazantsev (Russian military official) that: ”you have Gantemirov, Zavgaev, and many others who have switched sides. So what? You will simply have to provide bodyguards to more people. If Maskhadov or Zakaev will switch sides nothing will change. The only result will be that there will be two more traitors.”
Zviad: It is known that Ramzan Kadirov has appealed to you many times asking you to come back to the homeland. He said that you would be granted an opportunity to be involved in politics or have a peaceful life at home. However, after you have declined his offer he argued that European grants and petty cash appear to be more important to you than your fatherland. Have you ever wished to leave everything and go back to your homeland?
Akhmed: My return to Chechnya will not be regarded as a repatriation of a Chechen. It will be seen as a betrayal of the cause for which the Chechen people paid a terrible price. There are 250,000 civilians dead, while 40,000 of them are children including the children under the age of 10. I do not have a moral right to even think about betraying the memory of these people, of my comrades, of my friends. My return would be a betrayal. Of course, I want go back to my homeland. Nevertheless, I fully understand that it would be impossible unless there is a change in the current regime and the political reality.
Zviad: Mr. Zakaev, Chechens and Georgians are bound by centuries-old relations. Also, it is not a secret that there were some difficulties. What is the future of our cooperation?
Akhmed: You know, this is not an easy question. I always had a deep connection to Georgia. After the first war was over, I was the one who initiated restoration of friendly relations with Georgia since they were damaged due to the events and provocations in Abkhazia war of 1992. I assume that my attempt was successful, and I am glad that I was among those who tried to bring our peoples closer to each other. Unfortunately, the second Chechen war has resulted in many mistakes on behalf of Georgian and Chechen side.
Today, it is possible to say that Georgia has made its choice. It became the state which respects rule of law. Georgia has integrated itself into Europe and the rest of the civilized world. Moreover, I think that this is the greatest achievement most recent achievement of Georgia.
Zviad: Did you ever consider visiting Georgia?
Akhmed: I do not usually go to any country without an official invitation. If there will be an invitation or an event I will definitely visit Georgia. Georgia is almost like home to me because there is only a mountain range separating it from Chechnya. With this in mind, you should also know that this mountain range not only separates our countries, but also unites us.
Zviad: Thank you very much.
http://www.chechenpress.co.uk/content/2010/10/08/main01.shtml
