FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael J. Bradow, Tel. 202.364.2466

In the aftermath of the May 9th Victory Day celebrations in Russia and the May 10th Russia-EU summit, the American Committee for Peace in Chechnya (ACPC) calls upon the leadership of the separatist Chechen government to take steps toward peace, even in the absence of a reciprocal effort by the Russian Federation, and reaffirm its commitment to a political solution. The March 8th killing of former Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov confirmed that the Russian side is unwilling to change the status quo in Chechnya, but rather unequivocally committed to forestalling a peace process, particularly that initiated by the Russian Soldiers' Mothers Committee earlier this year.

ACPC Co-Chairman Zbigniew Brzezinski commented, "In the wake of the death of Aslan Maskhadov, President Sadulaev has been offered the opportunity to continue his predecessor's work of constructively seeking a negotiated settlement to the war. Despite Russia's rejection of Maskhadov's overtures, it is important for the new leadership to explicitly and demonstratively follow in his footsteps in the hope that the international community will intensify its efforts to mediate an end to this ongoing tragedy."

Despite the Kremlin's efforts to cast a smokescreen around the conflict in Chechnya, the consequences of Russian policy continue to be felt within the Chechen population. A recent Memorial Human Rights Center report claimed that 3,000-5,000 civilians have disappeared over the past five years, most of whom have been found dead. Nearly 900 are still missing. Furthermore, fighting has resumed and spread beyond Chechnya to other neighboring republics in the North Caucasus. ACPC Executive Director Glen Howard noted, "By installing its own cadre of corrupt politicians and brutal commanders, the Kremlin continues to destroy the prospects for peace in Chechnya, while compromising the security of its own people from Makhachkala to Moscow."

In light of the above, the ACPC encourages other Western leaders and organizations, including the Council of Europe, to express their commitment to support of a lasting peace in Chechnya. In February 2005, the Chechen leadership under Aslan Maskhadov declared a three week ceasefire that was observed by all elements of the separatist movement including Shamil Basaev. The ACPC stresses that such an offer of peace, as well as those initiated by President Sadulaev's emissaries abroad, warrant the full attention and support of Western leaders engaged in building peace, security, and the rule of law along Russia's southern border.

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.