Andreas Gross was pleased with the results of “the round table” in Strasbourg. Anyway, this is what he said in his interviews: “The only thing I expected – was finding atmosphere to continue the discussion. And these expectations came true – none of those present said the Round Table would be useless.”
And here we cannot but agree with Gross. None of members of the Russian delegation which visited Strasbourg (about 99% of the participants of the round feast) will refuse to visit this beautiful city again, especially if at PACE’s expenses… Their aspiration for such dialog is ineradicable. And if for them “the round table” is a complete amusement, for Gross – this is the job he invented himself.
Although many analysts unambiguously said the idea of PACE’s rapporteur had a zero efficiency, he is not going to give it up, on the contrary he is confident that the process will become progressive and “the round table” will become more weighty and take “rounded forms.”
We are not going to speak about the invented format of this meeting – its obvious stupidity and hopelessness has been widely discussed by mass media, but we shall note that Gross personally regretted that no “representatives of separatists” attended the round table thereby admitting its low efficiency. Chechen politicians refused to take part in “the round table” because the conditions put forward by its organizers could have hardly been considered a compromise. Most likely it looked like capitulation. As a result “the round table” turned into an ordinary party of friends, and Gross put himself in an awkward situation.
Today, desperately trying to find a way out from this dead-end, PACE’s rapporteur for Chechnya want to attach certain significance to his brainchild. For this purpose he need to ensnare at least one Chechen politicians to the next “round table.” It seems Gross made his choice: he has repeatedly said he hopes for the participation of Akhmed Zakayev. However, Zakayev as well as other Chechen politicians do not reject such possibility but they say it is necessary to change both the conditions for participation and the list of participants. Most probably, Gross cannot and do not want to make such changes.
Gross’s conditions are obviously unacceptable for the Chechen Resistance. First, the Chechen side cannot attend the meeting as “individuals.” In this case there is no point in such meeting. As well as there is no point in “debating” with Alkhanov and Djabrailov – the politicians totally guided by Moscow. However, Gross likes this format: a couple of human rights campaigners, “a responsible Chechen politician” and a large group of “Kremlin’s” men with the same expression and well prepared angry speeches. In fact, a representative of the Chechen Resistance shall take part as an individual… Probably, without the right to vote (such condition would correspond to the spirit of Gross’s “round table”).
To all appearance, this Andreas Gross decided to accept assistance in organizing “the round table” offered by the Russian presidential administration and deputies of the State Duma. Anyway, the main condition for the participants – recognizing Russia’s territorial integrity – is kept. Obviously, Gross sincerely believes that such condition is a brilliant discovery and the peak of a compromise – his bewilderment at the refusal of Chechen politicians to take part in this, frankly speaking, idiotic show seems quite plausible.
A false referendum, false presidential elections in Chechnya – all that are “epochal events” defined by the Kremlin as unquestionable proofs of the beginning of the peace process. Today a similar idea is in fashion – elections to the “Chechen parliament.” Even the Russian president spoke out about “epochal significance” of them. An analysis of the situation reveals – a hasty imitation of peaceful life created in the republic by the Kremlin drives the situation further into a dead-end. It seems Putin does not care about the current situation in Chechnya – judging by his actions he has passed this problem over to the next Russian president. And if the approach remains the same (which is more than likely) we can say with certainty that his successor is unlikely to deal with Chechnya. In fact the West could have helped solve the situation, but as we see today all its efforts are aimed at making Russia’s criminal actions in the North Caucasus look like sensible steps in search for peace. The Chechen Times http://www.chechentimes.org/en/comments/?id=28486
Acknowledgement: All available information and documents in "Justice For North Caucasus Group" is provided for the "fair use". There should be no intention for ill-usage of any sort of any published item for commercial purposes and in any way or form. JFNC is a nonprofit group and has no intentions for the distribution of information for commercial or advantageous gain. At the same time consideration is ascertained that all different visions, beliefs, presentations and opinions will be presented to visitors and readers of all message boards of this site. Providing, furnishing, posting and publishing the information of all sources is considered a right to freedom of opinion, speech, expression, and information while at the same time does not necessarily reflect, represent, constitute, or comprise the stand or the opinion of this group. If you have any concerns contact us directly at:
eagle@JusticeForNorthCaucasus.com
