LEONID SKOTNIKOV
Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office in Geneva at the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights on the draft resolution E/CN.4/2004/L.29 “Situation of Human Rights in Chechnya”

Geneva, 15 April 2004

Mr. Chairman,

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights has already twice, at its 58th and 59th sessions, rejected the drafts similar to one contained in L.29. However, the European Union, with persistence that could find a better use, once again tables at this session of the Commission a draft resolution on the situation in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation.
In this connection, first of all, I would like to stress that we firmly stand for constructive international co-operation in the field of human rights which can really bring results. To our great disappointment, the visit to Russia, including the Chechen Republic, of the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, already scheduled for last summer, did not take place. In our last conversation over the phone Sergio said that he was determined to go on with this visit in a few months. Tragically, these plans did not materialize.
The Special Representative of the UN Seceretary-General on internally displaced persons Dr. Francis Deng visited Russia, including the Northen Caucasus, in Spetmber 2003. He has presented a report to the current session of the CHR. The timeframe has been established, namely June this year, for a visit of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences Ms. Yakin Erturk. It goes without saying that the Russian authorities submit substantial replies to all the written requests by special procedures of the Commission concerning events in the Chechen Republic. Last year many aspects of the situation in Chechnya were discussed by three human rights treaty bodies during consideration of the respective periodic reports presented by Russia. These are only a few examples which quite eloquently illustrate our openness. Therefore, if our European Union partners, by presenting yet another resolution on Chechnya, want to rouse us to co-operation with the international community, then they are forcing an open door.

Mr. Chairman,

On the situation in Chechnya. The process of normalization there has become irreversibile. The political solution is being consistently pursued. The President of the Republic was elected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Chechen Republic which has been adopted at the referendum. The parliamentary and municipal elections will be held this autumn. The amnesty law is being implemented with respect to those who voluntarily laid down their arms. The social and economic infrastructure of this constituent entity of the Russian Federation has generally been rehabiliated; numerous public health and educational institutions, including higher education establishemnts, are working; the system of law enforcement is functioning; internally displaced return to the Republic.
Nobody is more interested in the true well-being and prosperity of Chechnya than we are. To this end, we will take all the necessary political and social measures. Everything that hinders this process, as for instance the EU draft on Chechnya is unacceptable. This is an unfriendly act. Such actions, irrespective of whatever statements to the contrary, play into the hands of terrorists. These actions go against vital interests of Russia as a whole and those of Chechnya in particular. Finally, these actions undermine the effectiveness of the international anti-terrorist coaltion. In this connection, I would like to refer to the replies by Mr. MacShane, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, to arecent parliamentary request. I quote:”Chechen extremists had close and long-established links to terrorists based in Afganistan under the Taliban regime. Some foreign terrorists who trained in Afghanistan, and had ties with al-Qaeda, went on to fight in Chechnya. Some Chechens fought with the Taliban and al-Qaeda against the Northen Alliance, and subsequently against the Coalition. Chechen groups even set up an “Embassy” in Kabul in early 2001. Those involved are subject to UN sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 1267. Under the same resolution, the leading Chechen rebel field commander Shamil Bassayev was made subject to UN sanctions on 12 August 2003”. The Secretary of State further notes that, I quote, “Chechen extremists, including some in Europe, in order to fund and support thair campaign” (end of quotation).
I believe that all of this, as well as many other facts highlighting the ominous inner workings of the “coalition of terror”, should be known not only in London but also in other European Union capitals. What is then making the EU act not only against the interests of the Russian Federation but also against its own interests?Isn’t it itme to finally show solidarity with Russia and the people of the Chechen Republic instead of multplying politically motivated texts, as the one contained in L.29?
The delegation of the Russia Federation will vote against this draft and urges other members of the Commission to vote “no”.

Thank you.