Aslan Maskhadov appealed to Chechen non-government organizations

Chechen non-government organizations received Aslan Maskhadov's taped statement on October 16.

An audiocassette with the taped statement of Ichkeria's President Aslan Maskhadov was received by Chechen human rights activists yesterday afternoon. Aslan Maskhadov says in his statement how he sees a present situation in Chechnya. According to him, the Kremlin's policy in Chechnya aimed at settling the war conflict by means of armed forces has ended in a complete fiasco.

"Russia has tried all possible variations in Chechnya, Maskhadov said. They have managed several campaigns here, like "referendums" and "elections", but what difference does it make? The armed resistance of the Chechen people to Russian invaders and struggle for independence will go unabated, and we are not going to surrender and lay down arms as long as any Russian soldier remains in Chechnya."

Speaking about Akhmat Kadyrov's election as the president of Chechnya, the leader of separatists stated, "Kadyrov was "elected" president because Russia believes him to be expedient for the Kremlin. They are deeply wrong. He is a more expedient figure for us."

Mr. Maskhadov called upon the Chechen non-government organizations to stand firm, "not to lose courage and not yield to any possible provocation." As an example of such provocation he mentioned the intention of his former special Moscow emissary Salambek Maigov to run for the Russian State Duma seat, which was approved by several Chechen public organizations.