Press Release

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Statement on the Conflict in Chechnya

The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Foreign Minister Knut Vollebæk of Norway, urges the Russian Federation to do everything in its power to prevent further human suffering caused by the conflict in Chechnya. He reiterates that all efforts must be made to facilitate international humanitarian assistance in this respect.

The large remaining civilian population in Grozny is still subject to a disproportionate and indiscriminate use of military force. In particular children and the elderly must be expected to be ill, injured or otherwise unable to leave Grozny under the duress of military hostilities. The Chairman-in-Office reiterates his appeal for an immediate cease-fire to allow an evacuation of the civilian population of Grozny.

The Chairman-in-Office also expresses great concern about the regional implications of the conflict in Chechnya. The conflict might endanger regional security and stability.

The Chairman-in-Office also encourages the Russian Federation to agree to a role for OSCE in establishing a dialogue with a view to a political solution to the conflict and in order to alleviating human suffering.

The Chairman-in-Office underline the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and condemns terrorism in all its forms.