'Road-to-Peace' for Russia and Chechnya

6.58.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 24th Feb 2005

London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford is with other MEPs sponsoring a meeting between the Russian NGO Union of Committees of Soldiers Mothers, and Chechen representatives led by Akhmed Zakaev on Friday 25th February 2005 to discuss and sign a joint document 'Road to Peace'. They will hold a press conference at 12.30pm.

The meeting and press conference are being held at the UK Office of the European Parliament, 2 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AA. For the full press release and details of the press conference, please contact Sue Hyman Associates on 44 (0)20 7379 8420 / 9944.

The meeting takes place the day after the European Court of Human Rights published three judgments finding Russia guilty of human rights violations through killings in Chechnya. Also today the European Parliament condemned war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Russian authorities against the civilian population there and called for an immediate start to political negotiations between the parties with a view to finding a peaceful solution.

Sarah Ludford said: "The ECtHR judgements reinforce the urgent need for peace, so this meeting between a Russian peace group and representatives of the last legitimate government of Chechnya could not be more timely. Such dialogue is crucial to underpin progress towards peace and reconciliation."

ENDS

Note: The ECtHR cases were supported by the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC). Based at London Metropolitan University and part EU-funded, this assists individuals, lawyers and NGOs within the Russian Federation to take human rights cases to the European Court of Human Rights. EHRAC works in partnership with Memorial, one of the leading Russian human rights organisations. Last night the St Petersburg offices of Memorial were attacked.