State Duma official "perplexed" with EU initiative to condemn rights abuse in Chechnya

State Duma International Affairs Committee Chairman Konstantin Kosachyov calls EU parliamentarians for ceasing useless efforts to pressure Moscow by playing a "Chechen game" and for cooperation in fighting terrorism. Kosachyov has commented on the initiative by EU members, which had submitted a draft resolution condemning rights abuse in Chechnya for UN Human Rights Commission's approval.

According to Kosachyov, authors of this draft resolution can help Chechnya by cooperation with Russia in fighting terrorism. "Russia can not help feeling disappointed and perplexed about this initiative," he stressed. EU members submitted the same draft resolutions in 2003 and in 2002, but they were not approved. Thus, Kosachyov expressed his surprise about the timing of this new draft resolution, "as situation in Chechnya has changed significantly."

"Every act of supporting Chechyen rebels weakens coalition which is fighting international terrorism and contributes to propaganda of those who target civilians in Moscow, Madrid, and other cities,' he emphasized.