Actual News from Chechnya

News update

Moscow does not see whatever link between developments in Chechnya and prisoner abuse in Iraq's Abu Ghraib, Alexander Yakovenko, Foreign Ministry spokesman, stressed to a Novosti news conference. As an American girl reporter brought the two painful issues together in her question, the diplomat said: "As for the Chechen situation, we are regularly offering political settlement details at all levels, to the USA as any other. Russia is doing it with all due patience, and the efforts are bringing fruit." Not that the job is brilliant success, he acknowledged-suffice it to mention a resolution on Chechnya the European Union recently offered to the UN rights committee. The USA voted in its favour, but the resolution was buried. Russia will go on explaining to the USA and other countries what is going on in Chechnya, added Mr. Yakovenko. As for inmate abuse in the Abu Ghraib prison, he hopes the USA will be serious with investigation. America is a democracy, so he has every reason to hope it will cope with the problem, which involves its own laws trespassed. Russia and other countries are looking forward to detection and court verdicts on prisoners' cruel treatment. Moscow is perusing an UK-US draft UN Security Council resolution on Iraq, which has been offered Security Council members for consideration. Lahdar Brahimi, the UN Secretary General's special envoy, is soon coming back from Iraq, and Russia looks forward to his report, and Security Council debates on his ideas of a future Iraqi government. The government needs public confidence in its country, so it will be key part of the resolution, pointed out the diplomat. As Russia pointed out more than once, the future government needs the entire nation's confidence. All Iraqi political forces, opposition included, must speak up on the matter. As Moscow sees it, whatever initiatives on the new Security Council resolution and Iraqi government membership must have the utmost publicity for all Council members to take part in debates. Russia is enthusiastic about interim understandings made in Sudan, Mr. Yakovenko went on. It insists on all disputes settled peacefully, and on Sudan retaining its territorial integrity in final settlement. The latest understandings have come as a stride toward the Southern Sudan issue finally settled. The three understandings the Sudanese government signed with the People's Liberation Army are opening the road to a peace treaty that will put an end to civil warfare. It flared up nineteen years ago as central authorities ordered the Shari'a court and other Muslim laws and legal establishments spread throughout the country, including its south, dominated by Christianity and animism. Close on two million perished in the war. The Eurasian Economic Community, or EURASEC, was another prominent topic at the conference. The EURASEC Interparliamentary Assembly is holding session in Astana, Kazakhstan, May 27-29, to prepare the grounds for June 17 Community summitry. The Kazakh capital is hosting an Assembly plenary session, and a bureau session. Speaker Boris Gryzlov of the State Duma, parliament's lower house, and a parliamentary delegation are expected to join Russian representatives in Astana. The session will promote team efforts and integration in the post-Soviet area. Prominent on the agenda will be bringing national legal norms closer together in many fields, said the diplomat.
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Federal troops killed 20 militants in two days of a special anti-terrorist operation in three southern districts of Chechnya, according to spokesman of the military command in North Caucasus Ilya Shabalkin. He told Tass the operation is coming to an end and additional army units engaged in Vedeno, Shatoi and Shali districts are currently being withdrawn. However special task forces continue to search for remaining scattered bandits. Shabalkin said the remaining small gangs have no single command and no communications. In Vedeno district the militants have not received any instructions from bandit leaders for nearly two months. (more...)

Chechen history

Chechnya | Questions and answers

This pamphlet is about Chechnya , a Russian territory which has witnessed the most tragic events over the past decade. The book is the latest update on the Chechen Republic . And this is very important, since a lack of fresh and accurate information about events in Chechnya generates many distorted conceptions and rumours - both within and outside Russia . For example, that Chechen society is allegedly inherently alien to Russia , that pro-Russian elements in the republic are marginalised; and lastly, that Russian power structures are fighting the Chechen people, rather than armed bandit groups. The reality, however, is that only with the return of the legitimate authorities are villages and towns being restored, children going to school for the first time in many years, and pensioners receiving long-forgotten pensions, i.e. a social rebirth is underway. Lying ahead are a referendum on a new Chechen constitution, and parliamentary and presidential elections. These votes will be held, despite continued attempts by bandit groups and their leaders to scupper the process of normalisation in the republic, the latest terrorist act being the bombing of the republican government building. The war being waged by Chechen separatists against federal forces and more often than not against their own co-citizens is by no means a "national liberation struggle of the Chechen people", but an episode in the overall offensive by international terrorism on the fundamental principles of modern civilisation. The facts show that being a part of the Russian Federation in no way threatens the Chechen Republic 's cultural identity, the free use of its own language, and preaching Islam. On the contrary, it was during de facto "independence" from Russia that the Chechen people suffered a humanitarian tragedy on an unprecedented scale. Hostage-taking, the slave trade and plundering came to form the economic basis of the new regime, while chaos and war became the form of its political existence. We want to emphasise once more: Chechnya is part of Russia , geographically, politically and civilisation-wise. So a hypothetical triumph of radical Islamism on its territory would be anti-historical. Such a development would signify the establishment in the midst of Europe of a Taliban-like regime, with all ensuing consequences for the international community. The corporate author - journalists of the Russian Information Agency Novosti - have attempted to be as brief as possible on providing answers to the most-often aked questions (above all posed by a foreign audience) about the Chechen issue. Hence the book's title: " Chechnya : Questions and Answers". It draws heavily on information provided by various Russian ministries and departments that in one or another way are involved in normalising life in the republic.
Russian Information Agency Novosti
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Chechen economics

Entrepreneurial license can now be got in Chechnya

Chechens now have the chance of obtaining a license on 22 types of businesses and for that purpose a licensing chamber was created two years ago by a decision of the government. Each day all those businessmen who are currently creating jobs for the people receive a license to start their own business. In the main, licenses are being given to companies connected with trading and intermediary activities. They deal in ferrous and non-ferrous metals, medicines, foodstuffs, wines and spirits, and light industrial items. The largest number of licenses has been issued in Grozny and that is not surprising. After all the Chechen capital now boasts of the greatest number of businesses. In the first 4 months of this year 180 businessmen from different regions in the republic also obtained licenses All the papers of the future businessmen are carefully scrutinized by the licensing authorities after which they are registered on the spot. Licensing is refused only on the ground of a seri0us violation. For an example, before a private shop is registered it must be ascertained that it is equipped with a cash machine and the trading premise should not be less than 53 square meters. Windows must have iron bars, the shop must have an iron door as well as have an automatic signaling device. It is extremely hard in todays most difficult conditions in Chechnya for all the demands to be met. Therefore a little deviation from the norms cannot prevent an applicant from receiving the license sought. But a remark is made in the license about the need for rectification and the time limit for such. Usually a license is given for one year. The deputy chairman of the Chechen licensing chamber, Magomed Israilov believes that the more active Chechens do business the more new jobs will be created in the republic and that is the best recipe for a speedy rebirth of Chechnya.
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Issue 193
28.05.04

Chechnya: news | arguments | facts

28 May 2004  Chechen field commander lays down arms
The head of the districts education department Razavdi Magomadov is satisfied with the results of the year. Pupils made progress in all subjects. This is the result of improving material base of the 15 schools in the district. Almost all pupils get textbooks. Pupils have become healthier since they go on sports and schools are well equipped. None of the schools have three shifts and three schools have one shift. The quality of education and skills of teachers have improved too. Among the best teachers in the district are the directors of the Shatoi secondary school and Vashindoroi secondary school, Taisa Alieva and Abykhamid Shamaev and teachers Makalov, Adamov, Magomadov and Kishlakaev. Schools have started to prepare for final-year examinations. Information about final-year students and the schedules of examination have appeared on notice boards. Teachers explain to pupils and their parents about the school certificate. Comfortable classrooms have been chosen for examinations. Razavdi Magomadov believes that all students will do exams successfully. The department has concrete plans for future. If the residents of the village of Kharsena return home a school will be opened there. Department plans to build a sports school and a centre for creative works. It hopes to turn several preliminary schools into secondary. Razavdi Magomadov believes that schools move in the right direction. He knows clearly what to do next. Its very important that republican ministry and minister himself help the schools in the district.
(more News from Chechnya...)

28 May 2004  CoE human rights commissioner informed about situation in Chechnya
Chairman of the State Council of Chechnya Taus Jabrailov met High Commissioner of the Council of Europe (CoE) for Human Rights Alvaro Jil Robles in Moscow to inform him about the developments in the Chechen Republic since the tragic death of President Akhmat Kadyrov and State Council President Husein Isayev in the May 9 blast. Spokesman for the State Council Sayd Dibiyev quoted Jabrailovs statement at the meeting with the High Commissioner of the Council of Europe as saying, Terrorists failed to split Chechen society by that terrorist act. On the contrary, the entire people condemned the crime resolutely and voiced determined support of the republics authorities and their specific steps aimed at securing peace and stability. The Chairman of the State Council of Chechnya told Alvaro Jil Robles about the measures taken in Grozny to prevent the breakout of a socio-political crisis and the steps designed to encourage positive developments in the republic. The High Commissioner, for his part, noted the positive aspects in the activity of the government of the Chechen Republic and stressed the need for ensuring public security for the inhabitants of Chechnya in this situation. According to Dibiyev, Taus Jabrailov also told Alvaro Jil Robles about the government efforts designed to repatriate displaced persons from Ingushetia and create appropriate conditions at the temporary accommodation centers. Jabrailovs answers satisfied the CoE commissioner and the European human rights champions who accompanied him, said the spokesman for the State Council of Chechnya.

27 May 2004  No army call up in Chechnya
The Chechen military commissar, colonel Sayid-Selim Tsuyev, has not been ordered by the staff office of the North Caucasus military district to organize the conscripting of Chechen youth into the army, meaning, according to colonel Tsuyev, that there will be no spring call up in the republic. Military orders are not discussed but colonel Tsuyev believes that there are certain reasons for the decision not to carry out a recruitment drive in Chechnya this spring. Firstly, Chechen conscripts serve only in the local rifle companies in the regional military commandants offices and in platoons guarding military commissariats. In 2003 enough numbers of youths were sent there, filling all the vacancies in the units. Secondly, the setting up of medical commissions is yet to be completed and in 7 regions none exists at all while in others they are not fully staffed. Also the e-registration of conscripts and their medical examination have not been completed. But by the autumn that work should be completed, believes colonel Tsuyev. He views all the previous call ups in Chechnya as experimental since they were carried out with much difficulty and unsuccessfully. At the same time though, colonel Tsuyev regards the recruitment of contract soldiers among local residents as an important achievement by the republics military commissars office. In the past few years the army ranks have thus been swelled in Chechnya by 40 to 60 men and they are serving in the West and East battalions as well as in two rifle companies guarding Chechen military commissariats. The West mountain units of the Federal forces are under the command of the hero of Russia, major Sayid-Magomed Kakiyev while the East battalion is commanded by senior lieutenant Sulim Yadamayev. Only men aged 20 to 40 who have already completed their call up stint can serve as contract soldiers. Contract servicemen in Chechnya like in other parts of Russia earn between 8 thousand and 12 thousand rubles per month and taking into account the employment situation in Chechnya such a salary is a huge help. In recent times there has been a significant increase in the number of Chechen youths wishing to study in military educational institutions and this year 23 people have applied to the republics military commissariat for places in military institutions. After an examination they will be sent to military secondary schools and higher institutions in Russia.
(more News from Chechnya...)

Russia - Chechnya

Chechen culture

It was not until the late 19th century that the Chechens started using other than wooden, brass and earthen tableware. Village artisans had polished their skills to perfection in making household utensils. Glazed crockery featured geometric or floral designs. Bowls were usually big. And the shape of a bowl depended on what they would put into it. A pitcher with a narrow neck contained melted butter. A pitcher with a wide neck was meant for milk and sour milk. The neck of a water pitcher was so narrow that only a child's fist could fit in. Water pitchers had big handles and wide circle-shaped bottoms: they would be carried on the shoulder from the river that could flow far enough from home or in a canyon. A special kind of earthenware held grain. Demand was high for the well-made Chechen pottery.Wooden tableware was made with a lathe. The hardest sorts of timber - oak and maple - went for tableware. Some household utensils were also made of wood: barrels, wheel spikes and other parts of wheelcarts. Cradles were made of wood in such a way as to enable a Chechen mother to strap it to her back and carry it out to the field. Its accommodating design and loyalty to the national tradition explain why some Chechen women still put their babies in such cradles. Other things made of wood: trays, mugs, spoons, churns - have also survived till nowadays. 19th century brass washbowls, mugs, tubs and pots are still used by the Chechens. The Chechen home looks traditionally simple, if not ascetic. There was an absolute minimum of furniture: portable wooden beds and small tables. But household utensils that do credit to the village artisans adorned the rooms. There were things made of wood and brass, crockery and, in addition to all that, things made of wool and felt. Felt was indispensable. Chechens used it for mattresses, blankets and wall rugs and as insulation lining. Multicolor Chechen rugs are usually decorated with red and blue fringework.
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Chechen tarditions

The book "Vainakh Ethics" by Edi Isaev is an utmost important work at a time when the life in Chechnya is returning to normal. Edi Isaev is a historian, Professor at the Chechen State University, writer and publicist directs his book to youth. In introduction he emphasizes: "The norm of Vainakh ethics is the code of wise truths of people that reflects their ideals." The book is educational. It contains the ideas on ethics by thinkers of various people and various times from Epicurus and Confucius A.S. Makarenko and L.N.Toltoi. The second chapter is devoted to ethic norms of Chechens. The third chapter considers in detail traditional family ethic code. The final chapter is devoted to Islamic ethic norms. Materials from the book Vainakh Ethics by Edi Isaev is devoted to customs and traditions of Chechens.
(more about chechen traditions...)

Chechen cuisine

"The Chechens, like the rest of the highlanders, avoid extremes in their eating and drinking habits. What they usually eat is chureks or corn bread with mutton lard spread on it, and wheat stew with lard in it; water is their basic refreshment." "...Unleavend wheat or barley bread baked on charcoal, milk and cheese constitute their daily menu; meat is eaten, very rarely, by the richest of the Chechens." That was written about the Chechen eating habits in the 19th century. And it was not until the late 19th century that many vegetables grown in Europe - tomatoes, cabbage, radish - had found their way to the kitchen gardens of mountainous Chechnya. Chechen farming units have, since times immemorial, been self-sufficient, with only spices and sweetmeats being bought at the market. And, although they have become familiar with the cuisines of many other ethnic communities, the Chechen women cherish the very special culinary traditions of their own.
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