10.01.2004
The European Commissioner, Patten, replied in Brussels to the question raised by the Radical Member of the European Parliament, Olivier Dupuis, on the closure of the refugee camps in Ingushetia and on new expulsions. The Commission stated that there were numerous cases of continuous violation of fundamental human rights against the Chechen people, of the closure of the refugee camps in Ingushetia and of the fact that the competent authorities are denying the Office for Humanitarian Aid to enter the country, obliging the refugees to make a forced return to Chechnya. The Commission condemns Russia for not having taken steps, despite its urgings, for the facilitation of humanitarian aid and for the safety of humanitarian aid workers.
(Agency Caucasus)

Chechen refugees will possibly be evicted from three camps

10.01.2004
The Chechen refugees living in three temporary accommodation centers in the village of Troitskaya, Ingushetia's Sunzhensky district, take a risk of becoming roofless. Forced migrants living in the MTF 1, MTF 2, and Energotsekh centers in Troitskaya report that the Ingush Migration Service notified heads of these centers that the agreement by which the Migration Service of the Republic of Ingushetia paid rent for the refugees' accommodations had expired and would not be extended. Tanzila refugee camp residents in Nazran stated that their share from Danish Committee is no more available thru The Russian Migration Service. Tanzila Refugee Camp Administration thinks that German HELP organization's Ujahov is not fair in allocating the help distribution.
(Agency Caucasus)

10.01.2004
IWPR's Caucasus Reporting Service updated that prominent Ingush businessman Khamzat Mamilov (43) is murdered by unknown assailants on January 7, 2004 in Nazran, Ingushetia in the Russian Federation. Eye witness reports said that 4 youngmen reached the victim and shot him in close range and made their way. Mamilov died on the spot.
(Agency Caucasus)

10.01.2004
Western observers say the Georgia's provisional authorities have passed the first test in democracy, as no major violations have been reported during the January 4 snap presidential elections. However, they noted, the upcoming parliamentary elections will be the true test for the new authorities. However, International observers noted "less scrutiny by domestic observers" in all aspects of the election process. 4 January presidential elections resulted with 90 % for Mikail Saakashvili and 1.8 % for Temur Sasiashvili.
(Agency Caucasus)

10.01.2004
Abkhaz Vice President Valerii Arshba told Abkhaz State Television on 8 January that he believes an agreement on peace and the nonresumption of hostilities would constitute a favorable foundation for beginning talks with Georgia's new leadership. Arshba has suggested such a peace treaty on several occasions since Shevardnadze resigned on 23 November. Arshba also stressed that firm action by the new Georgian leadership "to disband the gangs and armed groups that are committing acts of terrorism and sabotage in Abkhazia" would have "a positive effect on the peace settlement process and build mutual confidence." The prospects for a rapprochement appear minimal, however, in the light of Georgian President-elect Saakashvili's rejection of a federal model for Georgia and his insistence that Abkhazia should be an autonomous formation within a unitary Georgian state.
(Agency Caucasus)