§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his European and NATO colleagues concerning the protection of inhabitants of the Caucasus against Chechnyan forces. [125894]
§ Mr. Vaz[holding answer 13 June 2000]We have had regular discussions with international colleagues about the Chechnya conflict, including in the EU, NATO, the OSCE and other international fora. Such discussions have regularly included discussion of the impact of the crisis on regional stability.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chechnyan rebel leaders concerning the jihad in the Caucasus. [125893]
§ Mr. Vaz[holding answer 13 June 2000]Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary have had meetings with Chechen warlords. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have from time to time met Chechen representatives. In such contacts we have condemned terrorism and made clear our concern about the level of violence and reported human rights abuses on both sides in the Chechen conflict.