Chechen Foreign Minister to Announce Peace Initiative
Washington, DC: March 15, 2003, 9:00 AM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Swift, (202) 296-5101 x134

Chechen Foreign Minister Ilyas Akhmadov will announce a new peace initiative in a Press Conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 18th at 2:00 p.m.

The renowned French intellectual Andre Glucksmann and Olivier Dupuis, a Member of the European Parliament will accompany Minister Akhmadov and endorse the proposal. The document will be made available online at http://www.peaceinchechnya.org/peaceplans.htm following the press conference.

Minister Akhmadov's proposal envisages a conditional recognition of Chechen independence, following a transitional period under an international administration similar to that established by the United Nations in Kosovo and East Timor.

The plan guarantees the Russia Federation a substantial role in establishing and overseeing the interim governing authority, as well as the conditions under which Chechen independence ultimately would be recognized.

In his address, Minister Akhmadov will also call for negotiations with the Russian Federation, for the return of international institutions to Chechnya and the creation of a war crimes tribunal to investigate all allegations of atrocities.

This event is open to the press and general public. Inquires may be directed to the Peter Hickman at (202) 662-7540 or to Chris Swift at (202) 296-5101 x134.

Founded in 1999, the American Committee for Peace in Chechnya (ACPC) is a bipartisan coalition of distinguished Americans dedicated to promoting a peaceful end to the war in Chechnya.