26 February 2003 Russian chauvinism should be stopped by common efforts all over the world, otherwise it will make itself felt again and again Mansour Isaev ------------------- Russian chauvinism should be stopped by common efforts all over the world, otherwise it will make itself felt again and again To UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan PACE Chairman Mr. Peter Schider OSCE Chairman Mr. Mircha dan Joan Dear Sirs! For tens of years we have heard from various tribunes and through mass media the American and European democrats telling that 21-st century should be the century of prosperity, justice and well-being for the whole mankind. We also have heard and hear that UNO, OSCE, PACE and other similar organizations have been created for this purpose, sparing no effort this well-being to come true. The Chechen people take this aspiration with understanding, as the history of Chechnya from the ancient times up to our days is striving for justice and freedom, and one who knows the history of the Caucasus is well aware of the fact that Chechen people never waged aggressive wars until the 17- th century when the hordes of the Russian empire appeared at its frontier, and lived according to the rules of democracy, justice and freedom. The democracy which the oracles of today cannot dream of. Suffice is to say that the Chechens have never had class distinctions and oppression. Try and remember when you rejected slavery. Since the appearance of Russian hordes at our frontiers we have been fighting for freedom and independence. For more than 4-centturies old resistance our nation has undergone two deportations and several times was at the verge of disappearance, but Chechen people have never reconciled to the situation imposed by the colonial policy of Russia. And today, Chechen people keep on fighting with the Russian hordes for independence and freedom, for their Motherland. Today Russian empire has occupied Chechnya and is carrying out its usual "Russian" genocide. The present war, unleashed as a result of breaking the 12 May 1997 Treaty concluded between Russia and Chechen Republic Ichkeria, has taken away lives of tens of thousands of people. But it is not up to Russia to occupy our hearts and, sooner or later, Russians will have to leave our land. It is a pity that international organizations such as UNO, OSCE, PACE Islamic Conference and others, in words only call to serve the cause of peace and justice all over the world. The Chechen people always trusted them as protectors of democratic principles worldwide, but for the last 11 years we have completely lost this belief. And who can speak of belief when Russia acts in PACE like a bear in a rabbit-hutch. Fearing to irritate the Russian bear, the European parliamentarians are pending the blood thirsty beast will come to sense and become a democrat… Never. Is there any guarantee that tomorrow this ever hungry beast won't fix his gaze on flourishing Europe? The war in Chechnya? - Certainly, "dear Russians". Genocide of the Chechen people? - Certainly, "dear Russians". The forcible referendum to keep on with killing people? - Certainly, "dear Russians". Unfortunately, such is the position of these organizations with regard to the situation in Chechnya and protection of human rights in the republic at present. And as a result of unwillingness, I dare to repeat, of the UNO, OSCE, PACE and Islamic Conference to take measures against the aggressor. Time will show the incorrectness of your indulgences, repeatedly yielding to Russia, no one knows cherishing hopes for what. Especially it concerns Europe, as the Europeans will have to suffer most of all. Not frequent visits of lords to examine the situation with regard to human rights protection in Chechnya have not given any appreciable results so far, and their personal impression does not mean anything. For four years Chechnya has been a restricted area for the international mass media. Does not it mean anything for you, dear democrats? Russian chauvinism should be stopped by common efforts all over the world, otherwise it will make itself felt again and again. We know that President Aslan Maskhadov hopes the international community will display courage and stop the Russian aggressors, stop the annihilation of the Chechen people, and require of the Russian authorities to start negotiations with him as the representative of the only legitimate authority of Chechnya. We call on you in the name of saving one of the most ancient ethnos in the world, the Chechen nation, form annihilation, in the name of ideals of freedom, justice and well-being of the mankind, declared by you, to manifest good will and stop this genocide. Mansour Isaev President of "Novi Kavkaz" International Political Organizations Association, 24.02.03.