Nalchik/Agency Caucasus – Citizens’ Forum led by Ibrahim Yaganov, leader of civil organization Khase, after a two week delay on 30 July took place in Kabardino-Balkaria. Kabardian, Balkarian and Kazakh representative attended in the forum where land issues discussed in detail.
It was planned to hold the forum on 16 July, but because of problems about conference hall and the attack on Yaganov on 19 July, it took place on 30 July.
Timur Tenov, associate professor of the Kabardino–Balkarian State University and head of the NGO named "Civil Union" moderated Forum.
Ordinary citizens as well as leaders of civil society took the floor during the forum and stated their opinions about land issue. Participants, who agreed upon the fact that the existing problem should not cause controversy between ethnic groups, stated that the forum is a landmark on the way to solution and dialog. But a group of participants claimed that the meeting was organized by ultranationalist groups with a sole purpose of discrediting authorities.
The street, where the forum took place was controlled by OMON soldiers, while police provided security in the conference hall.
