Causewayhead man tackling Chechnyan war

Nov 11 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Wednesday

YEARS of war and deep-set divisions in Chechnya are being tackled head-on by a Causewayhead man.

John Coutts has taken part in a project involving stories which are aimed at promoting peace in the war-ravaged country.

The Russian speaker translated works for the book “Power of Goodness: Stories of Nonviolence and Reconciliation” which is being distributed in schools. He also helped out with the teachers’ handbook which will assist the teaching.

The book, now in its second edition, has been updated and revised and has received the backing of the Chechen government.

It includes translated stories in three languages. Short stories from the region, including one about a woman who feeds a Russian soldier when others would not, are included.

The publishers hope that the messages from the stories will promote understanding between ethnic groups in Chechnya and their Russian neighbours.

Mr Coutts said: “I ...

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