On May 12, 1995 our village was bombarded. The workers who were repairing the road leading to the village were targeted by the attack. Two young men were killed. Then we heard news that a corridor had been opened allowing refugees and anyone who wished to leave for Grozny. However, it was only possible to move at night, without headlights, as vehicles were exposed to gunfire, rocket strikes, and bombardment. Before this, airplanes shot at practically any vehicle, regardless of the fact that women, children, and old people could be inside. And it was those who were trying to flee the war zone.

On May 29, we, four families, gathered together and left Kharsenoi in two vehicles headed to Grozny. We had to drive very slowly and carefully because the road was destroyed, and at any moment a plane might come overhead and fire on us. On the road, one of the cars broke down, and by daybreak, we had only reached the first sector (part of the forest). We decided to wait a bit and then move on in one car. Sometime in the second half of the day, planes flew over and began to bomb the area. We survived by some miracle and returned to Kharsenoi.

That night we slept in the village. There we had a wooden dug-out which was built earlier, so that we could hide in case of aerial bombing or artillery bombardment. Usually, the women and children hid there during the day, as there was constant bombardment. In the evenings they went home. Around four o’clock in the afternoon, everyone went home as usual, and I went to the neighboring house of a relative – Sultan Isupov. We sat together in the courtyard, talking when a plane appeared. First there was a sharp roar, then he choked and the noise subsided. I said to him: “Sultan, it looks like they are coming back”, and then the first explosion happened. The bombardment of the village started. Eight planes circled above the village. Four dropped bombs and rockets, and the other four let out a barrage from above. When the first four had dropped all of their bombs, the other four then started bombing the village, as well. That is how they bombed and fired at the village without any respite.

Under the roof of Sultan’s courtyard there was a small potato cellar, I hid there. I started to call to the others, but they all ran to the dug-outs. So, on that day nine people died in that courtyard – I was the only survivor. In total, on that day 20 people died in the village of Kharsenoi: children, women and old people. There were five or six children dead.

There were no fighters in Kharsenoi, I am sure of that. It is true that the road from Shatoi to Bamut passed close to the village. The fighters did used to take that road.

The residents of the village were very frightened that the fighters might enter the village and then the Russians would fire on it and bomb it. For that reason we organized a watch and never allowed any fighters in. We barred the way into the village and warned them to avoid Kharsenoi, so that they did not put the lives of peaceful residents in danger. They agreed to this and none of them ever went into our village. Therefore, there was absolutely no reason to bomb Kharsenoi. At that time there were only local residents and refugees from other regions, mostly women, old people and children.

One of the planes shot a rocket at children who were running to the dug-out; I do not think the pilot could see who he was shooting at. Even still, that plane returned for another round after all the others had run out of bombs and flown off. The children fell to the ground and my son (he was the eldest) covered his sisters with his body. Nevertheless, my youngest daughter (she was only seven years old), was killed at the scene and the elder (14 years old), broke her leg. My son was also wounded by rocket shrapnel in his arm and leg.

When the bombing stopped, I managed to find a car, and we drove my wounded daughter to the hospital in the regional center of Shatoi. At that time French doctors worked there. One of the doctors looked at her and said that they needed to amputate her leg. I agreed, because the most important thing for me was to save her. But later on, she died. That is how I lost both of my daughters. It was the 29th of May, 1995. It has been 11 years since that day. And, as far as I know, no one has been punished for the murder of these women and children, as it was in the order of things.

Later on that night we buried 20 residents of Kharsenoi who died on that day, and we left the village, throwing out all of our personal belongings, livestock and everything. People walked through a large forest tract to Komsomolskoe and Urus-Martan. Since that day none of us could return to our native village to see what was there, what remained.

As far as I know, after we left Kharsenoi, 200 Russian armored vehicles with soldiers went in. They looted all the valuable things, slaughtered the cattle, and burned the houses down. Just as the NKVD (People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs) forces did in 1944, when they forcibly relocated the Chechen people. The houses in Kharsanoi were all built of wooden frames. They were completely burned. There is nothing left there now. The residents are still not allowed to go back. I know that in 2000, Kharsenoi was again bombed with aircraft depth bombs. The cemeteries were completely destroyed, and the remains of the bodies were strewn about.

Twice I organized trips there. I got to Shatoi, and there the commandant’s head office did not give me permission to go further. “In a view of the complicated situation it is unsafe, we cannot allow you to go there” – that was all they said. Now it seems that it has become safer, but they still do not allow us to return to Kharsenoi. For this reason I wrote to the parliament – I received a notification that the letter was received, but beyond that, no reaction. No one has answered. I went to Kadyrov, and wrote to the interregional court in Shatoi. So far, no results. I would like to go there, so that I could repair the grave of my youngest daughter who was buried there. And I still want to revive our village.

I know that everyone considers his or her pain bigger than the pain of others. But I know that many residents of Chechnya have experienced the same as I have. They have lost their children, their loved ones. So many people died during this time, and then in the ‘Second War’ as well.

In the same year – 1995, I was told about one case, in which a Russian fighter plane shot a group of women who were working in the fields. Just like that, it flew over and shot them all. Even though it was clearly visible that there were no fighters there.

And I remember another case, again in 1995. A Kamaz truck drove by, with women and children inside. It was full. They were refugees, moving towards Shatoi. A plane flew over and shot the truck. Every single person who was in that truck was killed. I cannot say exactly, how many women and children were there, but I think that there were several dozen people. And there were many such cases.

All of this is now forgotten. No one is paying attention to that anymore. And no one is answering for these murders.

Not long ago, I happened to be in Kharsenoi and wanted to visit the cemetery where my youngest daughter is buried. But I could not find the grave – the entire cemetery was so torn up by heavy bombing that no graves survived.

The first war took away my daughter, and the second war took away her grave.

Vakha Ibalayev
Resident of the former village Kharsenoi

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

дайижа дайижа,
маьнган йисти ма йижа,
т1ахкха б1абу дог1ар ду,
т1ахкха хьо дакхоллар ю.

Dayizha dayizha,
Mängan yisti ma yizha,
Thaxqa bjabu doghar du,
Thaxqa xho daqollar yu.

Sleep, sleep,
Don’t stay near the bed,
The grand wicked will come,
The grand wicked will swallow you.

The Mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) which is a service within the U.S. Department of State and works to protect the lives and interests of American citizens abroad, considers travel to the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria and the North Caucasus region of Russia to be dangerous; the Department of State recommends U.S. citizens not travel to Chechnya or the rest of the North Caucasus region, including Mount Elbrus.

According to the mission, due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the North Caucasus region of Russia, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all other areas of the North Caucasus, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. The U.S. Government’s ability to assist U.S. citizens who travel to the North Caucasus region is extremely limited. Throughout the region, local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom. U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain missing. Close contacts within the local population does not guarantee safety. There have been several kidnappings of foreigners and Russian citizens working for media and non-governmental organizations in the region. Due to the ongoing security concerns, U.S. Government travel to the region is very limited. U.S. citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately.

Acts of terrorism, including bombings and hostage takings, continue to occur in Russia, particularly in the North Caucasus region. However, in the past several years, Moscow and St. Petersburg have also been the targets of terrorist attacks. In the past, bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, airports, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, and residential complexes, and on public transportation including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights. Extremist groups occasionally threaten to set off bombs in market areas of major cities that are operated largely by migrant workers.

There is no indication that U.S. institutions or citizens have been targets, but there is a general risk of U.S. citizens becoming victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation.

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

The Stars of Chechnya was created in August 2008 as an initiative of the “Lublin Volunteer Center Association” (Stowarzyszenia Centrum Wolontariatu Lublin) with Chechen children. They developed their first show within a project called “Multicultural Lublin” and for four years, the dance group has revealed the magic of the Chechen culture in different Polish cities.

14-year-old Amina and 15-year-old Khazman would like be actors; 12-year-old Madina wants to sing in the future; and 15-year-old Fatima sees herself as a doctor. Each of the fourteen dancers are different, it is exciting to see these different personalities in a unique form during their dances. The girls are open and they talk a lot about their homeland of Chechnya as well as their culture.

At the moment, fourteen joyful and passionate Chechen girls are practicing a new layout under the care of their project coordinators and parents. The Stars of Chechnya is preparing a music video for the song “On the Road” (W drodze). The work has been created under the project “Together – The Volunteer Model for the Integration of Refugees” (Razem – model wolontariatu na rzecz integracji uchodźców). The premiere of the video is planned for June 20, World Refugee Day. Thus, the Chechen girls work hard for their impressive choreography. Despite the lengthy trials, the smiles on the dancers’ faces have never disappeared.

They have finished their training and now are waiting for their costumes for the video. Unfortunately, each outfit comes with at a high price tag. The volunteers do everything possible to obtain funds. According to project coordinator, Magdalene Przytuły, the cost for one dress is roughly 200-300 Polish złoty (50-70 Euro) and hence, the eighteen costumes are very expensive. Nevertheless, the group is always looking for people with good hearts who will help them achieve their dreams, because they really would like to continue dancing and developing their talents.

For anyone who would like to see their dances in person, the next opportunity is coming up very soon; on May 25, they are going to perform in Lublin at the “Notes of Nation” (Nuty Narodu) concert in the Square Lithuanian (Plac Litewski).

*Text was written by Marzena Przeworska for the Polish information service Wiadomości24.pl, translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco.

The event was held in Liege, Belgium in a hall at the University of Liege on May 12 between 13.00 and 18.00. Roughly 30 young Chechens from different cities in Belgium participated in the event. The event aimed to introduce Chechen painters and their work, as well as present talented young Chechens in the Belgian diaspora. The Chechen youths had an opportunity to see the art work of Chechen painters and learned their life stories.

Seda Gubasheva and Madina Khusikhanova, who are Chechen painters in Belgium and Germany, presented their paintings and explained the motivations in their work. During the event, examples of traditional Chechen hospitality were shown. Food and drink were offered to the guests and the young people had an opportunity to meet each other.

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

In the 85kg category, Mamed Khalidov wiped out “Ultimate Fighting Championship” veteran Rodney Wallace 1:55 into the opening frame of their one-sided co-main event. Khalidov (25-4-2), who has tasted defeat just once in his last 25 appearances, launched a fearless kick-heavy attack to the American’s legs, head, and body. Wallace (12-5) struck for a takedown roughly 90 seconds into the encounter, only to back away and allow his foe to return to his feet. It was a decision he would regret. Moments later, Khalidov fired a searing right cross down the pike. A dazed Wallace collapsed, and the fight was over.

In the 77kg category, Khalidov’s cousin Aslambek Saidov (12-2) faced Armenian fighter, Grigor Aschugbajban (8-8). The fighters started with powerful medium and high kicks. Then Saidov started to take control. Suddenly, he grabbed Aschugbajban’s shoulder and assumed a Kimura lock 4:51 into the first round.

You can see videos from the event here:

Mamed Khalidov-Rodney Wallace challenge:

Aslambek Saidov-Grigor Aschugbajban challenge:

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

Using this chance I would like to offer to your library a book written by one of my ancestors Mr. Adam Michałowski “TRZY LETNI POBYT NA WSCHODZIE” (Three years on the East) published in 1857 in London. Author of this book was a President of Polish Association of Self Aid and Charity (Polskiego Towarzystwa Wzajemnej Pomocy i Dobroczynności) acting in Turkey over 150 years ago. I found his grave in Polonezkoy (Polish village in Turkey).In autumn last year EU Energy Conference was held in Warsaw. One of most important conclusions from this conference was: “Energy is one of the greatest challenges Europe has to face”. It it also hard to refuse the right to the statement made by the advisor to President of Russia stating that “nowadays geopolitics is being replaced by energy” When we talk about geopolitics we should stand on real foundations of our civilization. History which during many centuries is exposed to different forms of manipulations. Civilization we leave in is not only Greco-Roman, Judeo – Christian origin. Inhabitants of European continent lost in the woods were civilized by the nomads of Great Steep and tribes migrating from east to west leaving behind Ararat Mountains and Anatolia region. It is worth to mention that the idea of Asiopa – the union based on religious tolerance remained after Gyngis Khan and his successors. After many centuries last Mongolian Khan Baron von Ungern-Sternberg tried to come back to this idea while fighting with red Russians. We have to realize the fact that unfortunately main reason for decline and degeneration of European civilization are different types of bestial financial institutions and unfortunately Christian churches of many confessions. Their priests are responsible for raising of new generation of believers were not in a position to prevent from genocide accompanied with religious wars, crusades, “conversion” of native Australians and Americans, starvation of millions of Irish peasants, massacre in Wandea, bestiality of October Revolution. Opium Wars, two world wars, massacre of Jews and folk Holocaust which caused a death of over 60 million of people not mentioning recent homicide performed on the inhabitants of Caucasus in Chechnya.

No one doubts that biggest shame of a white man is…. Colonialism, which in a little bit transformed form is still dominant in Siberia. Its victims are different Turkish origin nations. I have mentioned about this fact during international congress held in Baku (in 2008) to the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilcham Alijew. Independently from political opinions and believes there is a colonialism of XXI country, Age of internet, iPods, space travel hard to accept.

It can and should end by change of our approach to the use of natural resources, oil and gas in a first place. Before it will happen it is worth to remind about few basic facts.

First license for search and exploration of mineral resources in Iran issued by Szach in 1827 was granted to Baron Julius de Reuter. Future father of press agencies. Security of stable supplies of crude oil for British Navy was paramount. First 43k tones of Iranian crude oil were exported almost 100 years ago in 1914.

Russia becoming no 1 player on world energy resources market tries to secure its full control also on the routes of the pipelines. While controlling only 19% of Caspian Sea coast Moscow decision makers acquired recently full control on the routes of transportation of energy media from this region – having perfect location from the perspective of the access to European, Middle East and central Asia markets. This region contains at least 200 bill oil barrels and 6 trillion cubic meters of gas. Until the end of the decade production may reach the level of 5 mill bpd

Our growing dependency of natural gas supplies from Russia increases also our dependency on supplies of oil from that country in the quantities, which exceed significantly level of energy safety. Moreover, based on American analysts Russia is becoming major and biggest exporter of oil in the world with 7.7 mill bpd (barrels per day) Considering this level of oil production Russian reserves will expire around year 2020. Russia is becoming a major player on the world energy sources market due to the fact that they control 1/3 oil reserves in Caspian Sea region, at least half of natural gas and having possibilities to control reserves of Persian Gulf counties finally by possessing its own reserves. It is extremely dangerous for global stabilization.

USSR in the most glorious days of their history was never able to achieve such position.

Caspian Sea basin has perfect location considering access to European, Middle East, and even Central Asia markets. It contains at least 15% of known reserves of earth carbohydrates in the amount of 200 billion barrels of oil and 6 trillion m/3 of natural gas. By the end of this decade production from this basin may reach 4.5 mill bpd, which is more than present production from North Sea. It seems clear to many people that such reserves, which are enough at least for 70 years after, startup of new pipelines, natural gas and oil from this region will dominate European market.

This is a reason why a few years ago I asked to justify, diversification project, which is a construction of oil pipeline system running from north Iraq and supplying oil to Odessa – Brody – Plock oil pipeline. Supplier of Caspian oil in economically required quantities are becoming more and more problematic. This idea could be realized by Polish – Ukrainian – Turkish consortium, which together with American companies would be able to construct 750 km oil pipeline connecting north of Iraq with Black Sea shore. Assuming oil tankers loading in Hopa region (Turkish harbor close to Georgia border) and offloading terminal in Piwdenne close to Odessa, it would be the shortest transportation route of Iraqi oil to EU markets. Construction of Mosul – Hopa pipeline could facilitate in repossession of significant amount of Iraqi liabilities to Poland and could strength Ukraine independency .It could also ease significantly tension between Turks and Kurds, since transit fees would be paid to Turkey budget and protection of new pipeline system, road constructions, earth works, would be given to members of local Kurdish tribes.

In the autumn of 1994 report made by well-known group of experts from BROWN & ROOT has been published. This report presents many different routes for transit of oil from Caspian Sea basin. Ordered of this report was Caspian Petroleum Consortium (CPC) in which Russian companies had at least 25% of shares. Originally in the variant mostly preferable by Americans, Caspian oil was to reach Black Sea shore by Baku – Supsa pipeline. Decision to extend this pipeline system further to the west was caused by political reasons.

It is worth to quote an opinion of Professor Marjorie Cohn “By reincarnation and enlargement of NAO and by expanding sphere of influence to the east United States of America intends to establish domination of West over rich deposits of oil in Caspian Sea basin. West Europe must extend its influence to their east in order to ensure safety access to Caspian oil. USA intends to control this process. Otherwise why would ZUSA spend billions of dollars for bombing Kosovo, if that region would not hold strategic position between extremely reach deposits of oil and their European allies?” (Chicago Tribune dated 20.05.1999).

Military operations in Chechnya had and still have very similar cause. Moscow is securing pipeline Baku – Tichoreck in such a way, the only way, through which in last decades, it was possible to transport oil produced in south cliffs of Caspian Sea to Russia. Extension of pipeline transport of Caspian oil alongside northern shore of Turkey through Samsun to Europe did not come into life due to the lack of political stabilization in Balkan states .It was decided to construct pipeline, crossing Anatolia region to Ceyhan – off loading terminal on Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to this decision Straits of Bosporus were avoided with its limitations off quantity and size of tankers, which could pass those straits per day. Transportation capacity of this water is being used in at least 95%. It is also very danger due to the fact that oil tankers are passing hears or Istanbul only by few hundred meters. Oil from Kazakhstan field (Tengiz – North West region of Caspian Sea basin) is being transported at the moment to European markets by modernized pipeline system through Samara and using DRUZBA pipeline system with well-known consequences.

In 2003 Russia has signed 25 years contract for supply of natural gas with Turkmenistan. It was announced as biggest contract in the history with value exceeding 600 billion USD. BY this action Russia managed to block American initiatives in that region. Turkmenistan intend to increase natural gas production in coming 7 years to the level of 120 bill m/e p.a. Moscow didn’t even had to make significant pressure to achieve the situation in which all east Caspian counties accepted common transit policy and unified energy balance.

For the transit fee they will charge about 3.3 USD / 1000 m/3 for every 100 km

After startup of BLUE STREAM pipeline (constructed across Black Sea) for some time Turkey was dependent in 90% on natural gas supplies from Russia. This occasion was used by the supplier, which raised a price to the maximum. Turkey threaten that they will go with this case to international arbitrary court and they were victories. Only after signing long-term natural gas supply contract with Iran (from Shah Deniz – southern part of Caspian cliff).

In Iran, which have over 5% share in the global market of oil production, Russian companies are searching in Khuzestan, simultaneously they are also selling to this country equipment and know – how mandatory to use nuclear energy. Value of this trade is estimated for 7 billion USD.

In Iraq, second largest producer of oil in the world, which possess biggest natural gas deposits in the area, just after USA intervention, Russian companies’ monopolized production of natural gas, using reserves which were generated during period of economic sanctions after invasion in Kuwait and signing contracts for search of new deposits. Their value is estimated for 3.5 bill USD. Presently this value is much higher.

Russia was the biggest purchase of Iraqi oil even in the beginning war. This was a main reason why only Russia was able to make efficient tension on Saddam Hussein actions.

Azibidjan is becoming a very attractive country for new investments, not only in petrochemical business. This country is recovering from economic disaster. Azibidjan is also one out of 6 main investments domains of AMOCO/BP concern, which uses Mr. Zbigniew Brzeziński as an advisor. This concern spends about 10 mill USD per day for realization of four grate projects:

a.) Exploration of Azeri – Chirag – Guanaszli fields (ACG),

b.) Exploration of Shah Deniz cliff fields,

c.) Construction of Southern Caucasus pipeline (SCP),

d.) Construction of Baku – Tbilisi – Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline

Caucasus (northern part)

At the moment Russia controls only 19% of sea shore line of Caspian Sea, but they are becoming no. 1 player on the global market of energy materials by having a control over transportation routes of energy medias from that region.

With investment of slightly above 3 bill USD they expect to produce 2.2 billion barrels of oil and at least 300 billion m/3 of natural gas. Most advanced drilling machine DSS – 20, which costs about 250 mill USD, will be utilized. Drilling hole will start at depth of about 1.000 m and will finish at depth of 9.000 m.

It is also very probable that Kazakhstan and Azibidjan, inspired by Russia, will construct Aktau – Baku pipeline. This pipeline is intended to cooperate with BTC pipeline system and should also allow transporting Kazakh oil to world markets. It is very probable that, as soon as last “golden sew” will be made, direction of o0il flow may be reversed. It would be a similar scenario to this played on Odessa – Brody pipeline. It would also mean giant loses of the BTC investors, which will have no medium to transport.

Mosul – Hopa pipeline Northern Iraq is located about 750 km from the shore of Black Sea. If oil pipeline would initiate in the area of Al Mausil (Mosul) its route could be located alongside road no. 430 to Sirnak in Turkey and passing Siirt, Bitlis and along northern slopes of Toroslar mountains to Mus, Varto and Erzurum – ancient Byzantine Teodozjopilis and would continue alongside road no. 950 in the valley of Artvin to the region of small harbor in Hopa twenty something km from the Georgia border. Mountain terrains of eastern Turkey are inhabited by Kurds. Until recent times, it was a main reason for Baku Supsa pipeline to be constructed along seashore to Samsun and extend it by few hundred km to the west. Kurds are one out of few Islamic nations, which have some sympathy for the “boys from the other side of the sea”. Considering change of the political situation in the region, caused by presence of coalition army in Iraq it is possible to minimize risk related with terrorist’s attacks on pipelines. 32” diameter pipe (813 mm) connecting Iraqi oil deposits with shore of Black Sea should allow transport of at least 24 MTA (million tons of oil per annum). It’s cost will probably not be higher than 700 mill USD

Iraq -Turkish- Poland oil route

Odessa – Brody pipeline system has been planned to transport 40 MTA. It was to become backbone of Ukrainian energy independence. It does not operate still. Ukraine suffers loses. Russians announced that they would like to use it but for transport of oil from DRUZBA pipeline system in opposite direction than originally planned. It is in their economic interest. Taking into consideration loading of oil into tankers and of loading in Piwdenne next to Odessa would be shorter by 4.000 km and cheaper by 15% transportation route of this medium to Central Europe and Baltic Sea basin. Production cost of one barrel in Iraq is one of the cheapest in the world.

In Azibidjan, “country of fire”, on the verge of small town called Janan Dag, which in Turkish language means „A mountain on fire” in rocks slots the fire was incinerating forever. Followers of Zoroastrian use to come to this place from India, Afghanistan, and Iran. In XIX country oil deposits in Surachanach drew the attention of Mr. Dymitr Mendelejew. The laboratory building made of stone was erected for him. Now devastated ruins are occupied by the refugees from Kara Bach escaping the hands of Armenian executioners. In the glory days more than half of world oil production was produced in Baku region. It is also worth to mention that pioneer in the application of technology allowing for offshore production of oil were two poles: Mr. Witold Zglenicki and count Paweł Potocki.

War in Chechnya had a similar cause. Moscow was securing its control over Baku – Tichoreck pipeline which by the way was constructed by merchant Bagirow in 1914. The only pipeline which over the last few decades allowed transport of oil inside Russian territory. Thanks to the determination of power of will of Mr. Haidar Alijew former President of Azerbaijan, USA and Turkey jointed its forces and created Baku –Tbilisi – Ceyhan pipeline which travestying Anatolia to the Mediterranean Sea harbor bypass straits of Bosporus. Limitation of the quantity and size of oil tankers passing only several hundred meters from the downtown of Istanbul is mandatory. Transport capacity of this waterway is being used in almost 100%. At once appeared also Moscow driven inspirers of different type of terrorist acts in east Turkey which aimed to attack BTC pipeline trunk line. In order to prevent from the scenario which allegedly resulted in Armenian man slaughter operator of this pipeline is forced to spent significant military forces for the protection of this pipeline. It is worth to mention that best man for this job would play proven in battle Chechens. Mr. Zakayew a politician from this country shared the same opinion with me a few time ago.

Today Poland pays over 500 USD for 1000 m/3 of natural gas. Almost 35% more than Germany and twice as much as Chinese. Despite of the fact that Gazprom does not pay for the transit of natural gas through our territory significant amount of 1.5 bill USD p.a. (using the rate of 2.75 USD/1000 m3/100 km). It is worth to mention that rates for natural gas and oil transit over the territories controlled by Moscow have nothing in common with economical calculation, its real costs of production or the necessity to designate certain amounts for the protection and restoration of natural environment. It is “haracz” (tribute), what else could we name the fact of quite recent sale to EU of natural gas from Turkmenistan with 350% commission. A form of haracz is also nonpayment of a transit fee.

After commissioning of new refinery in Iran pipeline supplies from Kazakhstan could reach the level of up to50 MTA (million tons per annum). It is possible to shorten the route of this pipeline by 150 km under the condition that it will be constructed between Tengiz and Uzen in shallow shelf of east bank of Caspian Sea. Some time ago an agreement on construction of 200 km long section running forms the area of oil fields explored by Chinese consortium of CNPC to the border of Turkmenistan. China is becoming growing importer of Caspian oil. Transport with use of oil tankers from Gulf of Persia to Chinese terminals located on the Yellow sea may be cheaper than payment of the interest from the loans needed to cover the cost of TENGIZ-LANCZOU pipeline construction running through Dzungaria gate and Sink yang desert estimated for 10 bill USD. Negotiations with Chinese focused mainly on the problems which may result for the territories located in Irtysh and Ilia river basins, if the plan to reverse the flow of those rivers will be realized in order to intensify production of oil and gas in Takla Makan desert area.

Turfan area experiences exploration drillings from over 90 years now and Tengiz-Kharg pipeline was to be constructed long time ago. Main obstacle is short sight of some of American decision makers. In total to the south and west about 40% of Caspian production of oil will be able to flow.

Tengiz – Black Sea harbor pipeline trunk line was supposed to transport 67 MTA. Americans postponed its approval for the participation of their companies in this investment maintaining the condition that Russia should refrain from sale of nuclear technologies to Iran. Standstill occurred. It was overcome by the events occurring in the foreground of Caucasus Mountains. Pipeline from Tengiz to Black Sea terminal in a safe distance from Chechnya become a necessity. 745 km pipeline section of 40” diameter from Astrakhan to new oil terminal in Novosibirsk has been constructed in record time. Transport capacity of CPC pipeline trunk line were reserved for the needs of oil companies operating in the region of Karachaganak – AGIP, British Gas, Texaco and Lukoil.

Moscow secured until the commissioning of BTC_Baku Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline full control over the transportation routes of energy media from Caspian Sea basin – having perfect location from the perspective of access to European, Middle East and Central Asia markets. With the reserves sufficient for at least half of century Caspian oil may play a dominant role on European market. The cheapest and most convenient way to transport it to the east, to China, through the territory of Kazakhstan.

Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are not taking an active role in the gas – oil carnival. Their political elites are reluctant toward foreign investors for a long time now. Only recently the natural gas from Turkmenistan started to compete with the gas produced by Gazprom in northern territories of Siberia. Since the pipelines belong to Gazprom, the gas from Turkmenistan was cut out from the access to the world market with all the consequences resulting form that fact. Uzbekistan to the contrary secured increase in production by bypassing the system of Russian pipelines and concentration on internal demand and neighboring markets. It was a third biggest producer of natural gas in WNP (Union of Independent Countries) and one of top ten in the world.

Uzbek-Nefte-Gaz did not record significant success in the cooperation with international investors.

Confirmed oil reserves in the basin of Caspian Sea are about 5% of global reserves. Division of north part of the sea bed into three not equal sectors. Kazakhstan obtained 27%, Russia 19%, Azerbiajan 18% of coastal line (nie daje 100%). Estimation of the reserves varies from 17 to 33 bill barrels. Following the forecast for 2015 in Kazakhstan exploration of oil fields in Tengiz and Kulsary shall allow for increase of oil production to the level of 2.6 bill bpd. Azerbiajan oil deposits Azeri and Chirag including deep water Gunashli to the end of current decade shall allow for production of ca. 1 mill bpd. Second “Caspian oil rush” is just starting.

Maybe it is worth to propose other scenarios such as creation of international consortium for the purpose to construct the pipeline from the coast of Caspian Sea through Azerbiajan, Georgia, Black Sea and Ukraine to Przemysl gate located on Polish border. In straight line it will be at least two times shorten in comparison to the pipeline from Jamal peninsula. Deposits of Shah Deniz gas fields are sufficient to provide energy security for Ukraine and Poland until mid of this century.

Gas potential of the Caspian Sea basin may have much bigger importance than its oil deposits in the future. Gas deposits located there may be compared to the deposits in Saudi Arabia. Governments of Caspian countries and companies active there are much more interested in the oil now. Production of gas from those deposits requires much bigger investments.

Some time ago Caspian Business News informed that the contract between Lukoil Overseas Holding Ltd. and Azerbaijan concern SOCAR for exploration of Zykh – Hovsan deposits in the region of Dagestan border has been terminated. Russians refused to pay the costs related with protection of natural environment. Future of the oil transportation route to the north of Caucasus becomes questionable. Baku – Grozny – Tichorek – Noworosyjsk pipeline was decomissioned. Every year Transnieft use to transport up to 5 mill tons of oil using this pipeline. Almost half of Azerbiajan production. Sale it for 15.67 USD for each tone of this oil. Perfect quality product known on the international stock exchanges as azeri light was blended with heavy sulfur oil of ural or rebco types. Loos on one tone of such blended product was from 4 to 5 USD some 5 USD per tone shall be also added as a cost of loading to the tankers in Novosibirsk and fee for the pass of Bosporus straits. Transit fee for the oil transported by BTC (Baku – Tbilisi – Ceyhan) pipeline is ca. 23 USD per ton. Russians are not more competitive. By the end of this decade production of oil in the basin of Caspian Sea will reach the level of at least 4,5 mill bpd .(to check). Following the decrease of efficiency of oil deposits on the world, importance of the production from new fields located in the countries which are not OPEC members will rise. With the reserves sufficient for at least next 70 years, this is the reason I suppose why gas and oil from this region will dominate European market. Competition from Arica and Middle East will be left far behind. Following the increase of global demand for the energy this area becomes the playground for big international players of world markets. Few years ago while presenting its speech in Baku during Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition minister of oil and mineral resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Ali Al-Naimi stated that: „It is estimated that global demand for oil until 2020 will be increasing by 1 – 1.5 mill of barrels per day which will cause at least 40% increase of the production in the world. Azerbiajan is extremely interesting country for the location of new business”. I believe that he was right. Russia becoming no. 1 player in international markets of energy resources attempts to secure full control over the routes of pipelines also. We have to remember that principia of their foreign policy remained unchanged for many centuries. Such as:

-acqusition of new land,

-elimination of local elites,

-absolute rusification,

-barbaric exploitation of natural resources.

In order to be able to maintain the control and administrate in the territories of Far East and Siberia which quite recently were belonging to China and demand the „right” for exploration of oil and gas located in the areas close to North Ocean Moscow decision makers have to control multi million, vulnerable for russification human mass. This is the reason why they will try, for every price, to keep Ukraine and Russia within the sphere of influence. It is visible in many ways that in the east of European continent apart from those two former soviet republics only Poland and Turkey realizes this fact. Taking Russia – having colonial control over the Siberia and Caucasus – to the group of civilized nations is misunderstanding. It may end in a catastrophe if we take into consideration very popular opinions among Moscow geo-politicians that natural border line of Azjopa (which lords of Kremlin would like to rule) is January isotherm running alongside Rhine river bed. It is worth to mention that 90 years ago the same dream had last Mongolian Khan baron Roman von Ungern Sternberg, considered as insane man by some of the people. I have devoted few of my books to this man. If there is anyone who doubts how Russian civilization mission looks like it is worth to compare live standard of the inhabitants of current Siberia and Canada which from geographical perspective are quite similar. That is why if in some circled there is an anxiety from too big increase of China potential, if China would to regain the territories previously stolen from them by car’s Russia in Far East we should give our hand to the nations of Yakutia, Tuva, Buryatia, Khakassia, Altai and the Land of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Chechnya and many other demanding independence and share in the profits from exploration of natural resources including proper care of natural environment . It is also beyond any doubt that all free countries of the world independently from political systems and religious believes shall support Georgia in their fight for freedom and independence from the dictate of Moscow oligarchy. Free Georgia is one of main warrantors of Caucasus energy safety and trouble-free transfer of Caspian oil with use of BTC pipeline.

Far East Republic with its capital in Chita existed in 1920. Lenin in his Works wrote many lines that nations of Siberia shall regain its freedom and shall be able to create independent state. It is worth to remember it.Already in the middle of this century to have hydrocarbon resources of the liquid and gaseous fuels and related to the geopolitics of pipeline location will face competition accompanying the rational exploitation of geothermal energy and methane hydrates deposits. Only the synergy of energy guarantees conflict-free development and progress in most countries of the globe. The key to it is located in the Caucasus.

It is most probable that in coming decade oil and natural gas will maintain a position of basic energy fuel in global scale. Unlimited access to those fuels as well as participation in free trade will be a proof of energy independence and warranty for balanced economic development of any country and his position in EU. According to some prognosis in middle of this century both fuels will give field to methane hydrates and hydrogen.Globally, natural gas and crude oil will remain much longer primary energy resources and the opportunity to participate in a free market, their market will guarantee sustainable economic development of each country. It is undoubtedly take the analysis Study on the establishment of the zone of peace, friendship and security of the peoples of Europe and Asia. Zone in which a particular role will have to play very strong GM and similarly almost as numerous as the Slavic peoples of Turkey. Therefore I believe that the axis PARIS-BERLIN-WARSAW-MOSCOW-KIEV-ANKARA-BAKU–TEHRAN-ALMATY-BEJIN will remain and the capital of EURAZIA will be in ANKARA.

Witold Stanisław Michałowski
Editor in Chief of RUROCIĄGI (Polish Pipeline Journal)

According to the report, doctors in the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria are sounding the alarm; the unfavorable environment and post-war stress have led to a sharp increase in cancer cases. The spike in incidence is not being seen only in older people, but it is being detected very often in teenagers and young people between the ages of 25 and 30. Today, more than 16,000 patients are registered with various forms of cancer and each year this figure increases by roughly 3,500 people. This data may not be completely accurate and is unlikely to reflect the real numbers due to a lack of medical facilities in Chechnya. Many patients go to Russia or other countries for examinations and treatment. For this reason, it is impossible to register their cases. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death within the Russian Federation. The main reason is that patients turn to doctors at a very late stage.

Doctors see several reasons for the sharp growth of cancer. One of the principal causes is the disastrous environment in many parts of Chechnya. According to data, which was collected at different times by the American company Tetra Tech Inc, about a third of the state is actually an ecological disaster zone, with more than 40% of the land considered unfavorable from an environmental point of view. Almost all of the water sources are contaminated in one way or another and the state is on the verge of large-scale outbreaks of epidemic disease. In addition to general issues specific to the ecology of many former Soviet republics and regions in Chechnya, there are several other specific factors.

For example, the impact of two wars, in which heavy weapons and aircraft were actively used. Although official Russian data rejects the use of chemical or biological weapons in the Russian-Chechen wars, many locals believe that the growth of cancers and congenital deformations in children may be indirect evidence of the use of such weapons by the Russian military. Oncologists also associate increases in oil production with the spike in incidence. Handicraft methods of extraction and evaporation of oil contaminate large areas. The oil production, which is carried out by the Russian government, is also often undertaken without necessary measures that are used to protect the environment. The Russian government’s official strategy for development is contaminating the areas of production, storage, and transportation of oil in Chechnya. It is recognized as a factor in the high environmental risk, potentially threatening a major disaster. Despite all this, Ruslan Saladov, a professor from the Rostov Research Institute of Oncology, who has long been occupied with patients from Chechnya, said that the environment is only an additional factor; the main cause is the stress associated with fighting and a difficult post-war life.

A 35-year-old woman named Roza, who just returned from Rostov-on-Don in Russia after a surgery to remove her breast, told a pretty typical story: “My mother died of cancer two years ago and then three months later my aunt died. So, when they told me that there was a suspicion of breast cancer – for me it was a shock, I did not have two months to gather my strength and go through a full examination”.

In addition, 27-year-old Eliza buried her husband just a month ago. “He died from brain cancer within three months. Of course, it had to do with his stressful experiences. Throughout the war we were in Grozny and lived in cellars for months. Several times he was taken by Russian soldiers and then released. Even now, when they say that we have a peaceful life, we continue to worry about the education of our children and we cannot find jobs to support our families. These things cause great stress,” she said.

For two years, a National Cancer Center has acted in the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. However, its construction is never ending. Thus, the Chechen oncologists may only use chemotherapy. Surgical and radiation treatment are not available in Chechnya. The center operates more as a diagnostic center and sends patients to the hospital in Rostov-on-Don in Russia. The Rostov Oncology Institute is the only place where Chechen patients can find treatment. Moscow is very expensive for ordinary Chechens and also, there is an unwritten law that states “they don’t accept Chechens there”.

In spite of everything, 34-year-old Ayza continues to raise money for her son, in order to take him in Moscow after an unsuccessful operation and five courses of chemotherapy in Rostov-on-Don. “In Chechnya, they could not diagnose him. On the road, my son dramatically worsened and we were taken to a hospital in Kostroma, Russia. However, all requests from the doctors were rejected by Moscow. They said there is no space and we cannot fulfill the costs. We then came back to Rostov-on-Don and sold our car to collect money. We want to go Moscow after the May holidays, at least for a consultation because his situation requires more resources and operations,” said Ayza.

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

According to the report, on May 8 the Court of Appeals found the arrest warrant decision of the Klaipėda District Court illegal because there were no grounds for an arrest. A spokesman for the court said that the claims were not true because the couple had been granted asylum in Finland and have no criminal processes against them. Due to these circumstances, the Court of Appeals finds the arrest warrant from March 30th as unjustified and cancelled the entire decision, including the arrest warrant itself.

Let us recall that Finnish Immigration authorities granted asylum to Malik and Khadizhat Gataeva last week.

Here is the press release:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Other Russia: theotherrussia.org – kasparov.ru
Contact Mig Greengard: mgreengard@theotherrussia.org / +1 917.495.9460
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Violence in Moscow as riot police squeeze sanctioned anti-Putin protest

600 arrested as over 50,000 rally the day before Vladimir Putin’s inauguration

Moscow (May 5, 2012) – Tens of thousands of anti-Putin protestors in Moscow arrived at a sanctioned rally site only to find it overrun with thousands of OMON riot police. Despite having received government approval for the rally’s time and place on Bolotnaya Square in Moscow, the protestors were met with narrow police cordons, limited entries to the square, and police lines that cut the park in half. With over 50,000 marchers angry over Kremlin corruption, political stagnation, economic marginalization – and most of all, angry over Putin’s attempt to install himself as president for life – the confrontation the police were hoping for was nearly inevitable.

Many citizen videos show that the heavy police lines were well inside the rally’s official perimeter long before it was scheduled to conclude at 7:30 p.m. This illegal presence served no purpose other than to provoke conflict. All of the clashes and all of the arrests took place inside the authorized protest zone. Tensions were already high with the city paralyzed under such heavy police presence that it approached martial law. Several of the protest’s leaders, Alexei Navalny, Boris Nemtsov, and Sergei Udaltsov, were actually arrested at the stage of the rally. Another protest leader, Garry Kasparov, asked, “Why is there such police pressure against an officially sanctioned rally? Every single one of our marches have been peaceful, so why provoke clashes now? The only reason is that they are nervous and want to portray us as dangerous radicals.”

The Kremlin’s repression tactics were the same they have used against the “Strategy 31″ marchers, but the results are very different when there are tens of thousands of protestors instead of hundreds. The protestors were not the “extremists” advertised by the state-controlled media. They were citizens fed up with years of lies and corruption. Today’s events make it clearer than ever that Russian society will not be satisfied with anything less than Putin’s exit from power, and that the protests will continue until he is gone. It is equally clear that Putin has chosen the path of confrontation and that he will not shy away from violence against the Russian people.

1) Adamalla (humanity) – the system of universal human norms;
2) Nokhchalla (this word literally means “Chechen-ness”) – the system of particular Chechen norms;
3) Konakhalla (“konakh” means “noble man”, “konakhalla” is what makes him such) – the system of the highest ethical norms.

“Konakhalla” can be compared to Bushido and Confucius’s teachings. Like Bushido, it was originally warrior’s code of ethics. Although there are many similar traits between them, there is also a difference. Unlike feudal Japan, Chechnya was a democratic country. Chechen konakhs served their nation and Motherland. They highly valued their personal freedom and dignity. Although they were respectful to others, they considered other people equal to themselves. They did not commit ritual suicide because any suicide was against “Konakhalla”.

Who is a konakh?

1. For konakh, the main goal and meaning of life is service to his nation and his Motherland. For him, interests of the nation and Motherland are above his personal interests.
2. Konakh gives an oath to serve and serves only to Motherland. He is ready to sacrifice his life for Motherland, but never, in no circumstances, konakh gives up his personal dignity and honor.
3. The highest expression of konakh’s service is the defense of Motherland from enemy’s attacks. For konakh, death in the just war or at the defense of his honor and dignity is more preferable than life in dishonor and shame.
4. Creative labor for the benefit of Motherland in peaceful time is konakh’s duty in the same way as defense of his country during the war. Labor does not humiliate, but raises konakh’s dignity.
5. In any circumstances, konakh should respect his Motherland and his nation’s choice. He should be able to submit his personal desires and preferences to this choice, even if he has to go against his beliefs.
6. Konakh should remember that for him Motherland, personal dignity and honor are higher than life. However, when he has to choose between Motherland’s interests and his honor, konakh leaves Motherland.
7. Serving to Motherland, konakh does not expect thankfulness for his actions. For konakh, there is no higher reward than people’s thankful memory.
8. Konakh’s actions and emotions are controlled by his mind, and his heart helps him to avoid extremes. However, the basis of konakh’s attitude to the world is humanity. Everything beyond is not worthy for konakh.
9. The essence of humanity is wisdom, humanist attitude to the world and people, mercy, and compassion. Konakh’s humanity and mercy are expressed not only in compassion to people, but also in defending and helping them. First of all, konakh has to be merciful to week and powerless people.
10. Justice is the real measure of konakh’s relationships with people. He has to be fair to people in the same way as to himself. In his actions, konakh follows the principle of mutuality: “Do not do to others what may be unpleasant to you.”
11. Konakh’s nobility is expressed not only in justice, but also in respect toward people regardless of their age and social status. In communication with people, he should be very polite, restrained, and humble.
12. Konakh’s main riches are his honor and personal dignity. All the other benefits of this world may be regained after lost, but the lost honor may be regained only through the honorable death.
13. Spiritual purity is a mirror which reflects konakh’s inner essence and his actions. Without spiritual purity, there cannot be genuine humanity and compassion.
14. Genuine courage is expressed in patience and ability to control oneself and the situation. Unreasonable bravery is courage with closed eyes. It is forgivable for a young man who does not know the price of his nor other’s life. Konakh’s self-control is courage of the knowledgeable person, it is an acknowledged step toward death.
15. Genuine faith and justice are konakh’s highest spiritual goal. Konakh learns the essence of the world by his mind and heart. He learns the essence of faith by his heart and soul. In religious matters, konakh follows the Prophet’s words: “There is no compulsion in the religion”.
16. Konakh should always train his mind, comprehend wisdom and experience of others, learn sciences that give a key to understanding of the world because it is only through the knowledge that is possible to come to the genuine faith and comprehension of justice.
17. Konakh should be modest in religious rituals. He never emphasizes his religiousness and does not substitute the genuine faith with the form. For konakh, the inner essence of faith is always more important than its outward expression because the first is pleasant to God while the second is pleasant to people.
18. Konakh is ready to meet any tests that his destiny sends him. However, he always remembers that God always gives him a choice between good and evil and he is ready to be responsible for his choice before God and people.
19. Konakh never gives up trust in God. It helps him in unequal battle and in any hard circumstances. It is his source of his inner power and patience.
20. Konakh is tolerant to people of other religions. He does not force them to follow his views or living. Compulsion causes hypocrisy, and hypocrisy is incompatible with the genuine faith.
21. Konakh should not infringe on personal dignity and honor of other people. He should be lenient toward their weaknesses and errors.
22. Konakh should be able not only to defend his opinion, but also to listen to others’ opinion and agree with it if it is correct. To admit that somebody else is right, to give up in an argument or quarrel to a weaker opponent is not a weakness, but expression of nobility.
23. When somebody makes good to konakh, he repays many times more because thankfulness is an attribute of a noble person. However, he does not expect thankfulness when he makes good.
24. Konakh should behave himself with dignity both in joy and in sorrow. Shadow of sadness on one’s face and gloomy silence are inappropriate in a feast in the same way as laugh and talkativeness in a funeral. In any situation, he has to express self-control and calmness.
25. Konakh should respect and honor his parents, take care for them, and give them provision when they are old. He has to share with them not only lodging and bread, but also joy and sorrow.
26. In his family, konakh should be as just as in society. In both punishment and reward, he has to be stable and self-controlled. He should not offend or use physical punishment toward his family members.
27. Konakh should be modest in life, everyday living, and social matters. Konakh’s intelligence, courage, and actions first of all should be evaluated by others. However, even subjectivity of this evaluation does not give him right to praise himself.
28. Honor and dignity of a woman are inviolable for konakh. Konakh will never allow anyone to offend a woman in his presence.
29. A woman’s life is double inviolable for konakh. Under no circumstances, konakh will use an armor against her or will threaten to use it.
30. Konakh will never cause a child pain or suffering. There is no goal which would cause konakh to sacrifice life or health of children.
31. For konakh, guest’s life and freedom is more precious than his own life. However, he is not responsible for the guest who committed a crime.
32. In a foreign country, konakh should not only keep its laws, but also to respect its customs and traditions and follow them if it does not contradict his national dignity. In this way, he expresses his thankfulness of this country’s air and bread.
33. Konakh’s nobility is expressed in the ethics of his behavior. No circumstances are able to make konakh violate the etiquette.
34. For konakh, friendship is sacred. Konakh is ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of friendship. He loves genuine friend like a brother, respects like a father and honors like a dear guest.
35. In friendship, konakh should be faithful and devoted. Defending his friend, konakh does not spare his life. He is equally known by friendship and enmity.
36. Generosity is the measure of konakh’s attitude to his enemy.
37. At the war, konakh should not go beyond what is permissible toward an enemy. He should not give a freedom to his feeling of anger and malice.
38. Konakh expresses nobility and mercy toward a defeated enemy. He prefers a noble enemy to an unfaithful friend.
39. Konakh should not use an armor against an unarmed enemy. He is obligated to render help to a seriously wounded enemy in the same way as he would do it to any other person.
40. Konakh should do his best to avoid battle against a weaker enemy because any result of such a battle will not give him glory, but may disgrace his name. If he is unable to avoid it, he should give the enemy an opportunity to choose an armor and to be lenient to him.
41. Konakh should not avoid battle against a stronger enemy. However, he always prefers peace if it is possible without a damage to the nation’s interests, his honor and personal dignity.
42. Konakh should keep best traditions of his family, remember his ancestors, respect his background and his nation’s history.
43. Konakh should perfect his spirit and body his whole life in order to serve his nation with the highest benefit.
44. Konakh is responsible for his words and actions. He always fulfills his promises given to other people and never violates his promises, even at the cost of his life.
45. Konakh may have healthy ambition, but jealousy to other’s glory or riches is unworthy of him. It makes mind not clear and fills heart with poison. Where there is jealousy, there is no humanity and no mercy.
46. Feeling of competition may help konakh to reach goal more quickly, but it is inappropriate toward a friend or a brother. Competition for Motherland is noble, but competition for personal glory is unworthy.
47. Konakh should avoid lie and slander as well as people who spread them. He never says about people what he would not say in their presence. About dead people or people in trouble, konakh says good or nothing.
48. Konakh’s truthfulness and sincerity come from courage. However, there is nothing more unworthy for him than hypocrisy. It comes from baseness and cowardice and almost always cause treachery.
49. Politeness and respect should not become ingratiation and sycophancy toward rich and mighty people. Konakh should express a special respect only to women and elderly people. Respectful attitude toward older people is an expression of good manners, respectful attitude toward women is an expression of manliness, and respectful attitude toward younger people is an expression of nobility.
50. Under no circumstances, konakh should infringe other’s property.
51. Konakh is permitted to accumulate riches. Accumulated through the righteous way, riches of genuine konakh can serve not only his interests, but also interests of his nation and Motherland. Greediness and meanness are able to make useless the best attributes of any person in the same way as the excessive extravagance is able to impoverish the most rich person. Generosity increases both konakh’s glory and his wellbeing.
52. Konakh should courageously bear all the hardships of life that he has, including physical sufferings.
53. Konakh has a respectful attitude to his armor, he respects it, do not use it without a need, never uses it for gain or unrighteous deed.
54. Konakh should be ready to die at any moment because there is nothing eternal in this world. However, konakh should not pursue death and risk his life without necessity because life is the highest God’s highest gift to a human being.
55. Konakh’s death should be as dignified as his life.

On April 22, 2012 two Chechen mujahedeen were killed (shaheed insaAllah) in the outskirts of Gerzel-Aul village of Gudermes district of the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria during the special operation of armed members of pro-Russian regime. The killed were identified the same day. They were Akhmed Bantaev, born in 1990, resident of Komsomolskoe village of Gudermes district, and Bislan Alkhazov, born in 1988, resident of Koshkeldy village of Gudermes district. Two officers of Gudermes ROVD were also killed during the special operation. They were lieutenant-colonel Aslan Dzhamaldaev and head of criminal police, lieutenant junior grade Ahmad Adalaev.

Two days after the special operation armed people in camouflage uniform came to Komsomolskoe village, turned Bantaev’s relatives out of their house situated not far from school in the center of the village and burned it down. They did not allow the Bantaevs to take anything from the house, even documents. There was a fire engine near the scene. But it’s not known how it happened to be there. According to local residents, armed Kadyrovites called it to prevent the fire from spreading over to a neighbouring house. Firemen were told to pour water only upon that house. Bantaevs’ house and belongings were totally burned down. The owners of the house were grandfather and grandmother of the killed Chechen mujahedeen Akhmed Bantaev.

There was Akhmed’s parents’ house on the east uptown, in Olimpiiskaya str. Lodgers were living there. They were also turned out of the house without being allowed to take anything with them. The house was burned down.

It’s not the first tragedy which the Bantaevs face. Two members of the family, Abubakar (Bakar) and Salman, were participants of the first Russian-Chechen war. But at the beginning of the second war they applied to the Russian federal power structures and were amnestied. They didn’t take part in the second war. On January 2, 2003 they were abducted by the officers of so-called law enforcement authorities. Their whereabouts is still unknown.

After those events two sons of the elder brother of the abducted, Khozhi, – Khozh-Akhmed and Akhmed – joined Chechen mujahedeen groups.

On April 16, 2004, the armed Kadyrovites took Khozhi Bantaev, born in 1954, away from his house. In May, Khozh-Akhmed was killed during a skirmish between mujahedeen and the Kadyrovites. A week later Khozhi was released. He had been held hostage for a month and a week. In 2006, Khozhi died after a heart attack.

According to the report, as asylum seekers these children have already had a difficult path. They have dreamt about being in school since their arrival in France between May and September 2011. Instead, they must spend their days in one of the town’s low-cost hotels. Their parents were denied space in the local homeless shelter, which is too overcrowded to accommodate them. Thus, on May 3 at 8:15 am, right groups including Amnesty International in France, the French Human Rights League (la Ligue des Droits de l’Homme), and Education without Borders (Réseau Education Sans Frontières), organized a protest in front of the Claudine Fabrici Elementary School in the town of “Rubelles“, which has 1,900 residents. Around 50 people, including the parents, gathered there and protested the ridiculous claims that there is not enough space for these 21 asylum seeker children from the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria and Russia’s Republic of Ingushetia. The protesters call it a case of blatant discrimination.

“These asylum-seeking families did all that was required to send their children to school, but the town council refused to give them an enrollment certificate,” said Nicole Fautrel from the French Human Rights League.

“The elders were accepted into colleges and high schools. In fact it wouldn’t be a problem for these children too. However, for the children access to the elementary school is blocked. The Mayor refuses their attendance to the school and finds new excuses every time. First, she cited a lack of resources, facilities, and funding. There have been exchanges between the municipality and the national education board. The situation changed a bit in January when two special teachers were sent twice in one week, which isn’t enough. Then her excuse became the language barrier. What is she going to use as an excuse next time?” said Margot Cimic from Amnesty International.

The town’s deputy mayor, Michel Dreano, describes the situation as a budget problem. “We can’t take on so many non-French speaking children. We have just eight classes for about 210 students. We cannot accommodate other students, moreover they need CLIN classes (an introductory class for non-francophones)” he said, hinting at the absence of a qualified staff to handle the situation.

However, an inspector from the Seine-et-Marne Academy, Patricia Galeazzi, finds this argument to be totally untrue. “There are still places available in the schools in Rubelles. These 21 children will not be in the same class, but instead they will be distributed to the kindergarten and other classes. Therefore there shouldn’t be a problem in finding places for them immediately,” she said and called on the directors to fulfill their duties.

One of the school’s teachers also finds the claims to be nonsense. According to her, its all the more absurd since “children of that age learn new languages very easily” and they should be in the school not in the corridors of a cheap hotel.

We didn’t mention the universal entitlement to education, “Right to Education”, but we note that since the late 19th century, France is credited with establishing the first system of free and mandatory public education. In this sense, the French authorities are responsible even according to their own law, yet they refuse to enroll the Chechen and Ingush asylum seeking children.

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

The Russian youth organization, “Stop Xam” aims to end abusive driving practices in Russian cities. The organization carries out extraordinary actions against violators of traffic laws. In a recent action, they were in front of the popular shopping and entertainment center “the European” (Европейский ТРЦ) in Moscow and placing big stickers on which were written: “I don’t care at all – I park where I want”, on the windshields of cars that were not respecting parking rules. They did not know how the Kadyrovites would react.

A woman refused to park her big luxury car in accordance with general parking laws and instead, she chose to leave it in front of other cars. The activists then tried to place a sticker on her windshield but the woman started to yell death threats at them and the following dialogue took place between the two parties:

Activist: Please, re-park your car. There is an empty space inside where you can park your car.
Woman: Do you give a damn about it?
Activist: Yes…
Woman: Yes?
Activist: Of course!
Woman: I won’t move it on principle
Activist: Why?
Woman: I will put a sticker on your foreheads
Activist: There is a parking lot inside
Woman: Erase everything that you recorded. Now! In front of me, erase everything that you recorded. This better not show up on YouTube. I swear to you, I’ll find you and rip off your legs.
Activist: Go…
Woman: You’ll be crawling on your two hands, got it?

The woman made a phone call and shortly after, a few young men arrived at the scene in their Porsche Cayenne. Then a fight occurred and the young men shouted death threats and demanded the video recordings while beating the activists. Still, the organization put all of the recordings on YouTube.

Let’s get to the heroes of the incident. The woman on the video is Madina Mingaeva. She is the wife of Ramzan Kadyrov’s high level representative in Moscow, Tamerlan Mingaev. The young man who appeared with the Porsche is her son, Islam Mingaev. He is the chairman of a pro-Russian Chechen organization: “Moscow State Institute of International Relations Chechen Club” which declares its aims as “establishing a positive image of the Chechen diaspora” and “cooperation with the permanent mission of the Chechen Republic in Moscow”! The words are familiar because all of the so-called cultural centers of the pro-Russian regime come with the same aims. The question must be asked: “If family of the Kadyrovites may act this way in the heart of Russia, in Moscow; then how do they act in the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, where more than 16,000 Russian soldiers and thousands of armed Kadyrovites are based? We will leave it to your imagination!”

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

According to the information, the “South (Юг)” Battalion of Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ and the pro-Russian Chechen regime’s armed bandits organized a joint special operation in the Shali and Achkoi-Martan districts over the course of a week. So far, as a result of their punishment operations, two male civilians have been abducted.

On April 24, in Serzhen-Yurt, a male Chechen civilian, born in 1993, was abducted.

On April 30, in Samashki, another male Chechen civilian born in 1992, was abducted.

Both of the hostages were accused of providing food and medicine for the Chechen mujahedeen groups who fight for the decolonization of the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria.

The fate and whereabouts of the hostages are unknown.

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

In the past five years, the bodies of dozens of young Chechen women have been found dumped in woods, abandoned in alleys and left along roads in the capital, Grozny, and neighboring villages.

[The pro-Russian] Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov publicly announced that the dead women had “loose morals” and were rightfully shot by male relatives. He went on to describe women as the property of their husbands, and said their main role is to bear children.

“If a woman runs around and if a man runs around with her, both of them should be killed,” said Kadyrov, who often has stated his goal of making Chechnya “more Islamic than the Islamists.”

In today’s [Russian occupied] Chechnya, alcohol is all but banned, Islamic dress codes are enforced and polygamous marriages are supported by the [pro-Russian] government.

Some observers say Kadyrov’s attempt to impose Islamic law violates the Russian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights for women and a separation of church and state.

“We are a traditional, conservative society, but the government has gone overboard,” said Lipkhan Bazaeva, head of the Women’s Dignity Center, a nongovernmental organization promoting women’s rights in Grozny. “They are declaring unacceptable limits on women – as an individual, she has no rights even if her husband beats her, despite Russian laws.”

Though observers agree that honor killings are on the rise in [the Russian occupied] Chechnya, the issue remains largely taboo among locals – making official statistics hard to come by.

“You hear about these cases almost every day,” said a local human rights defender, who asked that her name not be used out of fear for her safety. “It is hard for me to investigate this topic, yet I worked on it with [human rights activist] Natasha [Estemirova] for a while. But, I can’t anymore. I am too scared now. I’ve almost given up, really.”

Estemirova, who angered [the pro-Russian] Chechen authorities with reports of torture, abductions and extrajudicial killings, was found in the woods in 2009 in the neighboring region of Ingushetia with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Her killer or killers have not been found.

Few dare to openly challenge Kadyrov’s rule. But activists say some young Muslim women do so surreptitiously, placing themselves in a constant tug of war between two value systems.

Milana, a ninth-grader in Grozny, wears thick eyeliner, dons tight miniskirts, smokes cigarettes and dates boys: all things a proper Muslim girl is forbidden to do in [the Russian occupied] Chechnya.

She said she has heard it from her father countless times: A Chechen girl who loses her virginity before marriage is a prostitute, and Allah will punish her.

“If only my parents knew some of the things I did,” she said with a giggle. “My parents are too strict with me, but it is like that here.”

Analysts say dating can be an escape for teenagers such as Milana who often live double lives.

“It is a great temptation to break from tradition when they are away from their family,” said Ms. Bazaeva. “They have a good time, but it is not without consequences, not in Chechnya.”

In this small Chechen village, residents talk about the teenage girl who was killed in early February after she spent a night at her boyfriend’s house.

The 16-year-old’s body was wrapped in a traditional rug and returned to her mother’s house. Her relatives are suspected of killing her in the name of family honor.

To escape the strict mores, some of the young opt for early marriage, which they view as the gateway to independence, sexual activity and societal respect. That goes for young Chechen men, also.

Abu-Khadzh Idrisov, 20, married in his teens to simply experiment, he said. His first marriage at age 14 lasted barely a year. He married a second time at 18. He spotted his future wife at a park in Grozny and, with the help of his friends, kidnapped her.

“When I married her, I honestly knew only two things: her name and the school she studied at. We talked together once,” he recalled. “But we have traditions and extremely strict rules in Chechnya, and you can’t just ignore them. I carry my family’s name, and if I tarnish it, I will have problems.”

Diana Markosian
29.04.2012 – The Washington Times

The Gataev family had to flew the oppression of Kadyrov and settled down in Lithuania. However, in Lithuania the Gataevs were exposed to persecution by the Lithuanian security officials, acting once again as an extension of their pre-independence collegues of KGB. The Gataev family had to flew once again, asked asylum in Finland. The Lithuanians asked for their extradition, based upon an “European Arrest Warrant” they issued. Due to this warrant, the Gataevs were arrested in Finland. However, they were later released by order from the Finnish Supreme Court.

Meanwhile Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the pro-Russian regime in the occupied territory of Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, demanded return of the Chechen Orphans in Lithuania.

In March 2012, the Finnish Supreme Court decided that the asylum request of the Gataevs shall be handled in duly order in Finland, as they have presented accusation of human rights abuses in Lithuania. 29.4.2012 the Gataevs got a decision from the Finnish migration authorities, granting them political asylum in Finland.

This case is very special, as it means that a member state of the European Union, Finland, has thrown suspicion upon the human rights situation in another EU country, Lithuania. Normally Finland should not handle a asylum request which should be handled in another European country bound by the notorious Dublin agreement.

For Lithuania this is a disgraceful story pointing at the post-soviet state of the country’s juridical system. Most probably, the actions of the Lithuanian authorities will later on be handled by the European Court of Human Rights.

Let us remind the readers about other similar events. In 2004 the Lithuanian secret police stopped publishing of Kavkaz Center website, which was based in Lithuania at that time. Consequently, also Kavkaz Center had to move to Finland. The actions of the Lithuanian secret police were later on condemned by the supreme court of Lithuania.

Let us also remind about the present oppression of Lithuanian authorities against the Lithuanian Moslem girl Egle Kusaite.

“At 10:00am local time, Akhmed Kolonkoev, deputy head of Karabulak city administration, and six other officials came to Promzhilbaza. They demanded that we leave from the camp within three days. After the announcement from the officials, the residents were shocked, because most of us simply have nowhere to go. I’ve lived here since 1994, since the beginning of the first Russian military aggression in Chechnya. I wanted to extend my refugee status and I got it from the Supreme Court. However for the officials, the court’s decision isn’t an order. My refugee status hasn’t been renewed by the local authorities. It means that in three days I will be stranded on the streets with my family,” said Malika Dzhikhaeva, a resident from the camp who has four children.

“I am still in shock after the visit of a delegation from the city administration. They told us: ‘You have no right to be here. You have to leave the territory of Promzhilbaza in three days’. I don’t have refugee status here. Probably, at the end of the three days, I will go out with my children and we will put up a tent on the route of Baku, then we will try to survive,” said Larissa Gadzhiyeva, another resident in the camp who has three children.

Maret Yevloeva, who has to care for her sick parents, links the sharp deterioration in their physical situation. “In three days, we have to leave. If something happens to my mother or father, I will sue these people,” said Yevloeva.

“I am raising a child who is 12 year old now. I have refugee status, but I have nowhere to go,” said Elsa Dikaeva, a disabled mother who may move only with the help of prosthesis. “I cannot walk 50 meters independently, now I must leave here with all my staves,” added Dikaeva.

The refugees repeatedly stated that the authorities try to drive them from Ingushetia to Russian occupied Chechnya. Contrary to claims from the pro-Russian regime in Chechnya, Chechen refugees say that the pro-Russian authorities of areas, cities, and villages in the Russian occupied Chechen Republic Ichkeria do not render any help to the refugees, who have returned to the republic. Moreover, the refugees mention that there is a chronic security problem in the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Thus, they would like to stay in Ingushetia. Even recently, at least six Chechen families who had gone back to Chechnya returned to Ingushetia. But after the recent advances they don’t know what to do.

*Text was written by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

According to the information, Polish and Chechen artists are working together to prepare common compositions under the project title “Together – The Volunteer Model for the Integration of Refugees” (Razem – model wolontariatu na rzecz integracji uchodźców). The Project involves the dissemination of proven methods of integration using media tools such as methodical films, video, and radio. These tools are directly served to promote the culture of refugees among local residents. The compositions in their entirety will be ready in mid-May and released as an album. The project is run jointly by the Lublin Volunteer Center (Centrum Wolontariatu w Lublinie) and Radio eR, and it is funded by the European Refugee Fund and the Polish state budget.

“A duet by Mariusz Migałki from Lublin, Poland and Zaira from Chechnya will show a new perspective on the integration of refugees from the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Now, we present you with excerpts from the prior trial recordings of a Polish-Chechen composition,” said Janek Wnuk, the President of the Lublin Volunteer Center during a radio program. He also noted that their project has its own radio show. Each week on Tuesdays, they present their broadcasts, “Because I was a stranger… (Bo Byłem Przybyszem…)”, devoted to the integration of refugees in Lublin and entire Poland.

You may listen to an excerpt from the composition HERE.

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

Here is Roman Goupil’s article:

Natalya…

Who benefits from the assassination of Natalya ESTEMIROVA?

The benefit of this crime is immense for all those who want to continue to ensure their impunity, whatever its cost.
The profit is great for all those who were fed in the school of arbitrariness, barbarity, cupidity, murder, and corruption during the long wars in Chechnya.
Those who imposed a ruthless terror reign.
Those who are now rewarded with the positions, the responsibilities, the privileges, and the money.

I knew Anna POLITKOVSKAYA.

She was beautiful and decisive. She warned us constantly about the dangers which were posed against all of us by Crime University: “The criminals are the strongest, only because the democrats are not enough, attentive to discover, and exigent”.

She worried and with the help of Natalya Estemirova she tirelessly complained about all of the unpunished crimes in Chechnya:
The rapes,
The murder of children,
The abductions,
The disappearances,
The dead or living human body trafficking,
The filtration camps,
The horrific torture…

They were beautiful and alive. I remember the graceful gestures of Anna, a very pretty ring on her finger. I remember her concerns and determinations: “…This impunity is necrosis of the future of Russia…”

Their struggle was obvious:

Getting a bit, oh, just a little justice,
For the terrorized victims,
For the destroyed villages by a merciless terror,
For the civilians who were burned alive in the “human bundles”,
For everyone who agonized in the “pits of wolves”.

They were ASSASINATED because they represented a threat and because they have never ceased to demand justice! The assassins haven’t been mistaken; they definitely wanted to silence those who have never given up demanding the guilty be held accountable.

They want to continue to reign.

They want to continue to be the lords of terror, torture, trouble, injustice, and in this way their reign continues through the complicity of all who benefit from it.

Anna is killed, Natalya is killed.

Zarema, Aslan, Samba, Anastasia, Stanislav, Alexander, Sergei… 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009…

Constantly, these criminals kill and assassinate in order to silence those who can testify, assist, advocate, denounce by writing these criminals who conduct abominations, who have denied any dignity of civilians and combatants, who now again and always are benefiting from all their crimes!

Anna had a life, a family, a son, passions; Natalya was surrounded by friends, children and relatives… Read, walked, discussed, loved and was loved…

They were generous…

They died for the ideas of human beings, the respect and the dignity…

They died for the sake of our humanity…

We know their killers!

We demand that a court judge them in the name of the respect for their rights, and human rights!

23.04.2012
Roman Goupil

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco

Caucasus Survey* is particularly interested in papers on the following topics, but please feel free to offer alternative subjects:

History
- Russian, Ottoman and Iranian competition in the Caucasus – 16-19th century
- Georgia’s annexation by Russia in the 19th century
- The Transcaucasian SFSR, 1922-1936
- Comparison of Russian military and political strategies in the conquest and pacification of the Caucasus from the 19th century to the present
- The Dunsterforce in Azerbaijan
- The 1917 Revolution and Civil War in the Caucasus
- The Stalin deportations of Caucasian nations
- The weight of the Azeris in Iranian politics from the Tabriz Revolution to the present

Current and Military Affairs
- International implications of developments in the Caucasus
- Georgia after the August 2008 war
- The Chechnya “domino effect”. What future for Russian rule in the North Caucasus in the light of growing unrest and Islamic militancy?
- How the Chechen wars have affected Russia’s interior politics
- The impact of the Chechen wars on the reform of the Russian army
- The Russian Army in Chechnya
- What prospects for Pan-Caucasian trends?
- The new discourse of the Russian nationalist movement regarding the Caucasus
- Russo-Turkish rivalry in the Black Sea
- Nagorno-Karabakh – a forgotten conflict
- What prospects for pluralism and democracy in Azerbaijan?
- Azerbaijan – oil, wealth, and poverty

Islam
- Changes in Islamic thought and practices in the North Caucasus since the end of Communism
- Islam and nationalism in the Caucasus
- The role of international Islamic organisations in the rise of Muslim dissent and militancy in the Caucasus
- The official Muslim religious boards and “parallel Islam”
- Moscow’s domestic Islamic policy
- Shias and Sunnis in Azerbaijan

Area Studies
- The Crimean Tatars in the post-Soviet period
- The Kurds of the Caucasus
- The Cossacks in the Caucasus – what future ahead?
- A comparative survey on Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Caucasus
- Ethnic issues
- The role of women in civil society

FORTHCOMING ARTICLES include:

Yuri Anchabadze, “The Sovietisation of Abkhasia, 1920-1940″
Bayram Balci, “Identity Politics and Diaspora in Post-Soviet Azerbaijan”
Marie Bennigsen Broxup, “The Tatar Model. A Comparison of the Tatar and Chechen National Movements After the Fall of the Soviet Union”
Vladimir Bobrovnikov, “The Making of the Muslim Clergy in the North Caucasus”
John Colarusso, “The Sochi Olympic Games, Sponsor of Circassian Nationalism”
Valery Dzutsev, “NGOs and Political Developments in North Ossetia after Beslan”
George Mamoulia, “The Caucasus and the Central Powers in 1918″
Mairbek Vatchagaev, “The Role of the Sufi Brotherhoods in the Political Life of Contemporary Chechnya”
Edith Ybert, “Political Parties in Azerbaijan Before the 1917 Revolution”

DOCUMENTS
Aslan Maskhadov, “Reminiscences on the first Russo-Chechen War, 1994-1996″. A previously unpublished interview taken on the eve of the second Russian-Chechen war, July 1999

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Bidzina Ivanishvili by Régis Gente

BOOK REVIEWS

GENERAL GUIDELINES
Papers are accepted in English and Russian. British English spelling is preferred. A typical article will be 5000-8000 words. Manuscripts should comprise in the following order: title page, abstract of approximately 150 words, 4-6 keywords, main text, acknowledgements, appendixes when appropriate, notes, and references.

Authors should include their full names, affiliations, postal address, telephone and email address on the cover page of their manuscripts.

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Submissions to the journal should be sent to Marie Bennigsen Broxup, mbennigsen@gmail.com, 6 Century House, Oakley Park, Frilford Heath, OX13 6QW, UK. Correspondence and articles in Russian to Mairbek Vatchagaev, vatchagaev@gmail.com. Authors are encouraged to submit papers electronically.

*Caucasus Survey: “The journal of the Association for Caucasian Studies”
Frequency: 2 issues per year, first issue scheduled January 2013, 400-500 pages per annum

EDITOR
Marie Bennigsen Broxup

DEPUTY EDITORS
Laurence Broers
Tamara Dragadze
Sophie Shihab Bilderling
Mairbek Vatchagaev
Edith Ybert

AIMS & SCOPE
Caucasus Survey will be the only journal, published in English, concerned primarily with the study of the Caucasus – the independent republics of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and the North Caucasian republics of the Russian Federation. The journal focuses on the Humanities and Social Sciences – history, political science, ethnography, religion, nationalism, economics, conflict resolution, military issues, demography, and area studies. Relations between the Russian Federation and the Caucasus, internationally and domestically with regard to the North Caucasus, features high in our concerns. Also covered are issues relating to the Republic of Kalmykia and the Cossacks, Crimea, the Nogays, and the Caucasian diaspora.

PEER REVIEW STATEMENT
All articles undergo peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymous double-blind refereeing by two referees.

EDITORIAL BOARD
Yurii Anchabadze, Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Bayram Balci, IFEAC, Carnegie Foundation
Vladimir Bobrovnikov, Oriental Institute, Moscow
Robert Chenciner, St Antony’s College, Oxford
Moshe Gammer, University of Tel Aviv
Tracey German, King’s College, London
Michael Kemper, University of Amsterdam
George Mamoulia, Independent consultant
Cerwyn Moore, University of Birmingham
Mohiaddin Mesbahi, Florida International University
Claire Mouradian, CNRS, Paris
Hratch Tchilingirian, University of Cambridge
Françoise Thom, Paris-IV-Sorbonne
Mariel Tsaroieva, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris

INTERNATIONAL ADVISARY BOARD
Sergo Arutiunov, Acedemy of Sciences, Moscow
Marco Buttino, University of Turin
John Colarusso, McMaster University
Andrei Illarionov, Cato Institute
Michael Kaser, St Antony’s College, Oxford
Chantal Lemercier-Quelquejay, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales
Shahin Mustafayev, International Institute for Central Asian Studies, UNESCO
Lia Melikishvili, Georgian National Academy of Sciences
Ghia Nodia, Ilia State University
Michael Rywkin, City College, New York
Dennis Sammut, LINKS
Amri Shikhsaidov, Institute of History, Daghestan
Ronald Suny, Michigan University and University of Chicago
Tadeusz Swietochowski, Columbia University

The authorities hurriedly announced that those inside the destroyed car were militants who had been preparing a terrorist attack. To add weight to their claim, the authorities even announced that one of those in the car had a suicide belt that was impossible to disarm safely. In addition, the official statement repeated the now routine assertion that the car’s passengers had put up armed resistance and were killed for that very reason.

Witnesses of the shooting incident, however, said that those in the car not only did not shoot back, but were killed instantly, without even having time to know what was happening. The execution-style killing evoked such a public outcry in Ingushetia that the authorities were forced to change their narrative of the event several times. It was hard to explain, for instance, why people who were preparing a suicide attack had worked all day at a brickyard. In addition, why would Zina Velkhieva, who certainly had nothing to do with the rebels, be among them? Yevkurov exonerated Velkhieva first and several days later was forced to admit that three of the five killed were innocent. Yevkurov cynically remarked that it was the slain people’s own fault they had chosen to travel in a car with two militants. However, the website of Ingushetia’s opposition leader, Magomed Khazbiev, insists that all five of those killed were innocent. By charging two out of the five who were killed, the authorities were shielding the murderers of innocent people.

These developments played a major role in stirring up opposition activities in the republic. The opposition appealed to the members of the Russian parliament who represent Ingushetia to investigate the lawlessness in the republic. In response, one of the parliamentary deputies, Bilan Khamchiev, raised the issue during a discussion with Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliev on April 13. The deputy and the minister disagreed over the figures, with Khamchiev saying 88 people had been kidnapped in Ingushetia during the previous two years and Nurgaliev insisting that only 13 kidnappings had taken place in 2010-2011.

It did not escape the public’s attention that Yevkurov had admitted earlier in February that government agencies were behind the kidnappings of young Ingush. For example, out of eight kidnapping cases in the republic in 2011, five were blamed on the government forces. Kidnappings have continued in 2012. On February 17, unidentified people snatched Rustam Aushev at a railway station in the city of Minvody. On March 1, an employee of the human rights organization MASHR, Murad Yandiev, was kidnapped. Yandiev later stated that three other people who had been kidnapped by government forces were with him while he was detained at the police station in Nazran. On March 13, unknown people in uniform and masks kidnapped 21-year-old Akhmed Chumakov. On March 18, a person with the surname Malsagov was kidnapped in the city of Malgobek. On March 22, Abubakar Tsechoev was kidnapped in Ordzhonikidzevskaya.

The republican authorities do everything possible to avoid registering the kidnapping crimes, as the kidnapping of Rustam Aushev showed. Aushev disappeared on February 17, but a criminal investigation into the case was launched only on April 11. The number of disappeared people in Ingushetia during the past 10 years, according to rights activists in the republic, totals 214. Sixteen people were killed and injured in the conflict in Ingushetia in the first quarter of 2012. This forces society to take preventive measures against a government that provides cover for law enforcement agents who are conducting an undeclared war against Ingushetia’s population. The period of relative peace that was tied to the FSB’s successful operations against Ingushetia’s Sharia Jamaat in 2010 appears to be eroding. The relative quiet in the republic was achieved thanks to the neutralization of almost all the top Ingush rebel leaders, including the capture of the military leader of the North Caucasian armed resistance – Emir Magas (aka Yevloev, Taziev).

Against the backdrop of increased tensions in the republic, the Mehk-Khel (Council of the Country) organization, led by its chairman Idris Abadiev, announced its decision to hold an all-Ingush protest rally on April 28. The organizers hope their event will attract from 5,000-10,000 persons. The authorities arguably will do whatever they can to prevent a demonstration of this magnitude from taking place in the republic, as it will represent a troubling verdict for Yunus-Bek Yevkurov’s regime.

Meanwhile, Yevkurov blames nearly all his problems on the absence of a ministry for inter-ethnic relations in Russia. In his opinion, it is necessary to return to a Soviet type of society in which the Kremlin’s regional representatives act on orders given from above. Yevkurov’s proposition reveals the primitive level of the contemporary North Caucasian politician, who is apparently incapable of acting on his own without a call from Moscow. As a former general, Yevkurov is expecting orders and is prepared to carry them out regardless of their substance.

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has shown that he is incapable of being a competent leader of the republic, and he will likely soon be replaced by someone more acceptable from among the Moscow Ingush diaspora. This move will come sooner if clashes between the militants and government forces in Ingushetia intensify against the backdrop of an overall deterioration of the security situation in the North Caucasus.

Dr Mairbek Vatchagaev
19.04.2012 – The Jamestown Foundation