Kheda Saratova: Chechnya's administration, refugees should hold talks

A unique press conference devoted to the problem of Chechen refugees occurred in Moscow, Russia, on April 20. Organized by the Independent Press Center, it was titled "Bound westward: what makes refugees seek emigration? What prevents them from going back to Chechnya?" These questions became the key subject under discussion, a bilateral one. The Independent Press Center hosted representatives of both human rights organizations and Chechnya's administration: Degi Bagaev, adviser to the president of the Chechen Republic; Tamara Mezhidova, deputy chair of the representative of the Chechen Republic in Moscow; Liudmila Alekseeva, chair of the Moscow Helsinki Group; Victor Cherepkov, a Duma member; Kheda Saratova, a journalist and head of the Independent Press Center (Grozny), Chechnya; Khizir Akhmadov, a writer; and Imran Ezhiev, head of the Russian-Chechen Friendship Society. Some Chechen refugees attended, too.

Those taking part in the press conference were unanimous in the opinion that the problem of internally displaced persons was burning currently, but methods to solve it caused bitter debate. Thus, Degi Bagaev said Chechens should go back home because there was nothing to be afraid of. He said Chechnya's government was currently doing its best to help those who returned. He didn't look convinced by facts of abductions and pressure on refugees that Liudmila Alekseeva at once quoted. In his view, abductions occurred because there were too many "asocial elements" in the Russian army. When asked what specific steps were taken to normalize life in Chechnya, Degi Bagaev gave extremely vague answers, although he eventually admitted Grozny currently could not provide conditions to accept refugees. So, as a matter of fact, the sides were not able to agree on anything, eventually. Yet it is important that at least an attempt was made.

Kheda Saratova agreed to give her comments to us.

Caucasian Knot: How did it occur to you to call such a press conference?

Kheda Saratova: It occurred to us after we had come to have a huge number of applications from refugees. They all contained a request to deliver them to embassies of various states. People were afraid to go home, they were ready to go anywhere but Chechnya. And to my mind, this is quite natural, because abductions and murders continue in Chechnya. Besides, it is very difficult to track who exactly is involved in them. We therefore decided that both parties - Chechnya's government and refugees - should hold talks. We would like Chechnya's administration to understand why people are not going home. However, as you could see, no questions were asked to refugees for some reason. It takes time, though, for the sides to be able agree on something.

CK: They speak about the problem of internally displaced persons openly here. How does Chechnya's press cover this issue?

Kh.S.: Quite curious things happen to our press, i.e. they write only what Akhmat Kadyrov likes. But that goes for journalists working in Grozny, with television and newspapers. As for our press center, it is in Ingushetia. Our correspondents work all over Chechnya. They don't go there as journalists, though. Because we would have to submit to active government and write only what is favorable to Kadyrov if they went there legally.

CK: Have you experienced pressure?

Kh.S.: Fortunately, I haven't yet come across such things personally. There was a case like that in 2002, though: I was detained along with a Japanese journalist. I have since tried to work as carefully as possible.

CK: What do you personally think about the issue of refugees' return to Chechnya?

Kh.S.: I basically welcome that Chechens go back home, in spite that it is dangerous and difficult there. If we all come back, regardless of whether we like Kadyrov or not - we'll be able to change something. We must restore our republic by ourselves, not wait for someone else to do that for us. But one must not demand that people go back as long as what is going on continues there.