§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the actions of the Russian armed forces in Chechnya, both before and after the recent cease-fire, in leading to the destruction of villages and the death of non-combatants contravene Article 4 of the Budapest Declaration of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE); and if so what representations they will make directly to the Russian Government and via the OSCE to stop such actions forthwith.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyHer Majesty's Government have consistently condemned any action which has led to civilian casualties or destruction of property in Chechnya. We will continue to remind the Russian authorities of their OSCE commitments and to support the OSCE Chairman in office's efforts to ensure that Russian military activities in Chechnya fully conform with the requirements of the code of conduct.
§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
What part is the OSCE playing in the current negotiations between Russia and the Chechen resistance since the recent cease-fire, and what information they have on the progress of these negotiations.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyThe OSCE mission continues to play a crucial role. On 10th June two Protocols, one on the implementation of the ceasefire and local elections, the other on prisoner exchange, were signed by both parties in the presence of the OSCE Head of Mission, Tim Guldimann.