§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held 583W with representatives of the Russian Government about Russia's proposals for ending the war in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement. [110330]
§ Mr. Vaz[holding answer 15 February 2000]: We have had frequent discussions with the Russian Government since the outbreak of hostilities in Chechnya, but have seen no specific Russian proposals for ending the war, other than through military means. We have consistently emphasised to them that their military offensive has an unacceptable human cost and will not solve the problem in the long-term. We have urged Russia to seek a political solution in Chechnya and to make use of the good offices of the OSCE in order to bring this about. My "right" hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will reiterate this message when he visits Moscow on 21–22 February.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Russian Government concerning the level of civilian casualties in the Chechen war. [110329]
§ Mr. Vaz[holding answer 15 February 2000]: We have repeatedly made representations to the Russian Government about the war in Chechnya. We have stressed to them that the human cost of their military offensive is unacceptable and that they must pursue a political settlement. My "right" hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised our concerns with Mr. Putin on 20 December 1999. My "right" hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has also been in frequent touch with the Russian Foreign Minister about this, most recently on the telephone on 31 December 1999 and 11 January.
My "right" hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary expects to make further representations on Chechnya when he visits Moscow on 21–22 February.