ChCNS's statement on the hunger strike of Sulumbek TashtamirovAccording to a press release of the Chechen Committee of National Salvation (ChCNS), on September 24 the chairman of human rights organization Sintar Sulumbek Tashtamirov went on a hunger strike, calling on the leadership of the Russian Federation to guarantee the security and immunity for President Aslan Maskhadov and deputies of the Ichkerian Parliament.
In Tashtamirov's view, a positive response by Russian President Vladimir Putin would pave the road for a political solution to the conflict. Besides, the Chechen nation would get the opportunity to communicate and to begin an open dialogue with their elected representatives.
ChCNS says that Tashtamirov's initiative has been already supported by leaders of Chechen NGOs and other organizations. On September 26, they set up a political coalition called "National Unity" and appealed to Chechen spiritual and religious leaders to support Tashtamirov's initiative.
At the same time, the chairman of the organization committee of the "National Unity" Lema Shakhmurzayev sent a letter to Ingush President Murat Zyazikov, calling on him to support the peaceful initiatives of the political coalition.
This is an abbreviated version of ChCNS's statement. For the full version in Russian, click here. (T) |
