The American Committee for Peace in the Caucasus

ACPC Weekly News UPDATE
April 19, 2010 – April 25, 2010

North Caucasus envoy signals Kremlin’s shift in North Caucasus policy

Alexander Khloponin, the Russian plenipotentiary representative to the recently-created North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD), made waves when he presented details of his economic plan to the leaders of the six North Caucasus republics last week. Citing inadequacies under the present policy, Khloponin stressed investment in the region’s energy industry as the focal point of bringing economic stability to the region. Khloponin also drew attention to the issue of high electricity arrears in the region and singled out the Chechen republic, which currently owes almost 13 billion rubles ($445 mln) to the federal government. Taken off-guard by the implicit criticism, Kadyrov suggested that Chechnya be allowed to restructure its electricity debt, but Khloponin countered that no republic should be given preferential treatment.

At the time of Khloponin’s appointment as the Kremlin’s envoy, many observers questioned whether he had enough political capital to effectively implement much-needed economic reforms in the region. The uncertain character of Khloponin’s relationship with Chechnya’s powerful president, Ramzan Kadyrov, reflects deeper uncertainties about the Kremlin’s own position toward the unruly president of Chechnya.

President Medvedev to meet with North Caucasus human rights activists honored with prestigious award

Ella Pamfilova, the chairwoman of the Russian presidential human rights council, announced that President Medvedev will meet with North Caucasus human rights activists in the second half of May to discuss the increasingly dangerous environment for civil activists in the region, RIA Novosti reported. On April 14, the World Movement for Democracy honored activists from the North Caucasus with the prestigious Democracy Courage Tribute in Jakarta, Indonesia. The award was presented in recognition of their bravery in face of “increasingly alarming and violent” conditions for human rights defenders in the North Caucasus.

In the past two years, the North Caucasus region has become particularly hazardous for civil activists, political opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders who often face grave danger due to their professional activity. In July 2009, Natalya Estemirova, a prominent researcher with Human Right Center Memorial in Grozny, was kidnapped and later killed by unknown gunmen. In October 2009, Makasharip Aushev, a prominent Ingush civil activist was killed in the neighboring republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. The perpetrators of both crimes remain at large.