In his interview with the Chechenpress, an official news agency, Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, Ahmed Zakayev, commented on the stories that he would soon return to his homeland.He also expressed his opinion of Umar Khambiyev’s recent return to Chechnya.The following is an English translation of his interview with the Chechenpress:
What is your comment on the latest events in the Caucasus?
Since literally everybody has been talking about these events for three weeks already, little remains for me to add. Russia committed its latest act of aggression against the Georgian nation. When we commented on Russia’s position with regard to Kosovo, we warned the world that this was a preparation by Russia for the juridical fixation of the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which it had annexed. Russia provoked Georgia to take measures for its self-protection, in order to accelerate the decision. Our sympathies are with both the Georgian and the Ossetian peoples, and we believe that, without the destructive influence of Russia, the relations between the fraternal Caucasian peoples would never have assumed the form of bloodshed, which we have unfortunately witnessed now.
As you know, the former Minister of Public Health of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, Umar Khambiyev, has returned to Chechnya on request of his brother. What is your comment on his return?
Thousands of people in Chechnya, both civilians and soldiers, are obliged to Umar, if not for their lives, then – undoubtedly – for their health, including myself. Both professionally and on his post in the government, Umar Khambiyev was occupied exclusively with rescuing human lives, disregarding anybody’s national or religious affiliation. Umar also honestly fulfilled his duty as General Representative of President Aslan Maskhadov in Europe. Umar hasn’t been a member of the Government of the Chechen Republic of
The media have published stories in recent days that you, too, intend to return to Chechnya, and that Kadyrov has given you a guarantee that you won’t be persecuted. Please tell us what your position is with regard to all this. Are you actually planning to go to Chechnya?
Firstly, it never occurred to me that I would not return to Chechnya. However, InshaAllah, we will all return to Chechnya at the first opportunity. In contrast to Umar Khambiyev I occupy a specific post in the political leadership of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, i.e. I am the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. Since the beginning of the second Russian aggression against the Chechen nation I have been dealing with questions in connection with this aggression. Questions of my personal wellbeing or safety can in no way prevail over my official responsibilities. Whatever speculations occurred in connection with my name, I will as far as possible carry out my duty, which consists in reaching a valid political settlement of the Russian-Chechen conflict.
How do you envisage the future of Chechnya, and what policy do we have to conduct in the world today, in your opinion?
Without exaggeration, Russia hasn’t achieved the goals which it had set itself. It actually achieved the exact opposite. Firstly, a "Chechnya without Chechens" wasn’t achieved. Secondly, the Chechens weren’t disarmed. Therefore Russia must sooner or later accept the fact that the Chechens aren’t weak-willed and apathetic observers of their own fate. Russia will realize very soon that the neighbourhood of a recognized, independent Chechnya would cost them considerably less. Our task is exactly to explain to Russia the lack of promise of a military solution to the question of Russian-Chechen relations.
To see the original interview click here
[Translation by Norbert Strade]
