EU Presidency Statement on OSCE and Chechnya

The EU Presidency deeply regrets that the OSCE will have to cease its activities in Chechnya on 31 December 2002 following the refusal of the Russian Federation to prolong the mandate of the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya.

According to the existing mandate, the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya should, inter alia, promote respect for human rights, help foster the development of democratic institutions, support the creation of mechanisms guaranteeing the rule of law, and promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis. On these issues the Assistance Group has carried out important work. This work ought to be continued in order to facilitate conditions for a political settlement of the conflict.

The EU Presidency strongly urges the Russian Federation to agree to resume negotiations immediately concerning a continued OSCE presence in Chechnya.

The EU will continue to follow the situation in Chechnya closely.

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• EU humanitarian aid for victims of conflict in Chechnya (17/6/2003)
• EU humanitarian aid to victims of the conflict in Chechnya (8/1/2003)
• Commissioner Nielson's statement on eviction of Chechen refugees (4/12/2002)
• Commissioner Nielson's statement on Chechnya (27/11/2002)