Chechnya (Hansard, 16 February 1996)

§ Mr. Elletson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the aims, operations and achievements of Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Chechnya. [15382]

§ Sir Nicholas Bonsor
The OSCE long-term objective is to promote a peaceful settlement in Chechnya. Through the assistance group in Grozny, it continues to make every effort to help bring about an early ceasefire and encourage 729W negotiations to find a settlement acceptable to all parties. The assistance group can play an important role in bringing Chechen and Russian representatives together and was instrumental in brokering the talks which led to the conclusion of the military agreement in July 1995. This agreement still offers the best basis for securing a lasting peace. Despite operating in often dangerous and difficult conditions, the assistance group continues to do a good job in building contacts with all parties.

§ Mr. Elletson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's ambassador in Moscow last met Mr. Sergei Kovalyov to discuss the situation in Chechnya. [15384]

§ Sir Nicholas Bonsor
Her Majesty's ambassador to Moscow last met Mr. Sergei Kovalyov on 22 September 1995, at which meeting the situation in Chechnya was raised.

§ Mr. Elletson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's ambassador in Moscow last discussed the situation in Chechnya with(a) President Yeltsin, (b) Mr. Gennadzy Zynganor, (c) General Lebed, (d) Arkadiy Volsky, (e) Mr. Vladimir Zhirinovsky, (f) Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, (g) Mayor Luzhkor and (h) Foreign Minister Primakov; and what were his conclusions. [15383]

§ Sir Nicholas Bonsor
Her Majesty's ambassador in Moscow last met Mr. Primakov on 6 February 1996 and Mr. Zyuganov on 14 September 1995. The situation in Chechnya was touched upon on both occasions. Her Majesty's ambassador presented his credentials to President Yeltsin on 12 February 1996, but did not discuss Chechnya with him. He has not met any of the other people listed. It is clear from these contacts and others that the situation in Chechnya and the search for a settlement is a major preoccupation both for the Government and Russian political leaders.