Paul Lansu
07. Dez 1999
The brutal war in Russia - Chechnya continues. Pax Christi International is recommending to national sections to write a letter to the Russian Ambassador in their country concerning the dramatic situation in Chechnya. Some sections did this already.On 17 November 1999, Etienne De Jonghe, International Secretary, sent a letter to Mr Igor Ivanov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. This is the extract:
"I am writing on behalf of Pax Christi, an International Catholic Movement for Peace. Pax Christi was founded out of the experience of World War II with the purpose of working to prevent future wars. It is therefore with deep sadness that we see the unfolding tragedy in Chechnya.
We ask you to convey our concerns about the fate of the people of Chechnya to your Government in the hope that the wisdom of political solutions may become apparent and lead to a quick resolution of the conflict.
It is our belief that the current bombing by the Russian military of Chechnya is a breach of international humanitarian law. Our experience as an international movement for peace remind us that violence is no solution to political problems. Therefore, we fully support the European Union in their recent call on your government to begin peace talks with Chechen leaders. We urge your government to invite the OSCE to mediate negotiations between your government and the Chechen government of President Maskhadov.
We appeal to the Government of Russia to stop the bombing of Chechnya homes, to protect the civilian population remaining in Grozny, to allow safe passage to all civilians wishing to leave the region and facilitate humanitarian efforts in aid of the remaining population in the region."
On 11 November 1999, a Silent Vigil for an end to the bombing and violence in Chechnya was organised by Pax Christi UK in close co-operation with the National Peace Council in Britain. Pax Christi UK also sent a letter to the Russian Ambassador in the London. On 16 November 1999, Pax Christi Netherlands sent a letter to the Dutch Parliamentary Commission dealing with Foreign Affairs to discuss the issue of Russia and Chechnya. On 18 November 1999, Egbert Wesselink of the Dutch section was able to publish an Editorial on the Chechnya issue in the Volkskrant (these two texts are available in Dutch). Today, in the French Le Monde, the Commission for Justice and Peace has been able to publish an editorial as well.
The International Secretariat is preparing an initiative on Chechnya to the United Nations as well. We are convinced that many other national sections have been working on this issue or that than plan to pick this up. Please inform us about your initiatives.
With kind regards,
Paul Lansu
Pax Christi International Secretariat Brussels