Andrews Expresses Grave Concern Over Chechnya
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, T.D., called in the Russian Ambassador this morning in order to convey to him his grave concern about developments in Chechnya.
The Minister said that he was particularly disturbed by the deterioration of the situation there, and the loss of life that this was causing. The wholesale destruction of Grosny, which was now threatened, would lead to immense suffering and death amongst the innocent, and must be avoided if there was to be an early restoration of peace and stability in the region. The Minister noted that the European Council in Helsinki would be addressing the issue later this week.
The Minister indicated that in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, he had already made clear to the Russian authorities, his willingness to assist in the restoration of democracy and the observance of human rights in Chechnya. To this end, he would be willing to visit Moscow and the region.
