Russia: Peace initiative by Soldiers’ Mothers stopped

The peace initiative from the Russian Soldier´s Mothers Committee has been halted. The Chechen separatist envoy was denied a visa. (30-NOV-04)

How it all began
Activists of the Russian Union of Soldiers’ Mothers Committees have planed to meet Chechen separatist envoy Akhmed Zakayev to discuss stopping the bloodshed in the Chechen Republic. 

Valentina Melnikova (picture), the organization’s executive secretary, said the meeting was authorized by Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov and allegedly it has been appointed on November 23 or 24 in Brussels.

“The main goal of the talks is to find a way out of the Chechen impasse and to stop the bloodshed in the Chechen Republic,” Valentina Melnikova said.

Crash of expectations
But peace-making initiative group faced a barrier on its way.
They were rejected in issuing visas at the Belgian embassy. “So we don’t know whether we will fly,” said Melnikova. She added that an official at the embassy told her they were told to inquire with the Interior Ministry of Belgium.

Meanwhile, the Russian side also contacted Belgium regarding Zakayev, who Moscow has labeled a “terrorist” and has repeatedly asked for his extradition.

Zakayev would be detained and sent back to Britain if he accepts an invitation to come to Belgium to discuss the human rights situation in the Russian Federation, told Belgian Interior Minister Patrick Dewael.

“He (Zakayev) has been recognized as a political refugee in Great Britain. He is not allowed to enter the Schengen area. Great Britain is not a member of the Schengen (open borders area). If he enters our country then he has to be arrested and sent back to Great Britain,” added Belgian Minister.

Impartial conclusion
“It´s a simple case. Our peace initiative have been ruined,” said  member of the Union of Soldiers’ Mothers Committees Ida Kuklina (picture). “Nobody need  peace negotiations now,” she added.