Russia and Chechnya
Russia and Chechnya
This is in response to Mr Vladimir Mikhaylov's letter (Aug 1).
Firstly, I would like to praise his statement about the ongoing
successful development of bilateral relations between Pakistan
and Russia.
In regard to Chechnya, I think the acts committed by Russia
speak more than any words I can write here.
History reveals the lack of respect Russia has shown towards its
neighbours and the world community at large in the past. It is
one of the few countries in the new world order which has
attempted to occupy a sovereign country, namely Afghanistan. And
as history has shown us time and again, that oppression anywhere
in the world has no long-lived victory.
As for the so-called lack of facts to point towards the human
right abuses committed in Chechnya by Russia, may I ask Mr
Mikhaylov to avail himself of the services of the Internet and
read reports of any of the reputable human right groups around
the world which cover Chechnya and he will get plenty of facts
and figures.
As for terrorism, let us consider the recent Western media
reports that Mr Mikhaylov has urged us to consider. In regard to
the alleged terrorism committed by Chechnya rebels on Russian
soil, the most famous of which was the apartment building
bombings, recent confirmed reports point towards a direct link
to the Russian intelligence agencies.
It is yet to be seen whether this link was just in regard to
facilitating or masterminding these acts. But all said and done,
once again I thank him for his kind comments on the development
of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia.