President of the Russian Federation

To the President of the Chechen Republic

A. A. Maskhadov
Dear Aslan!

I congratulate you on being elected President of the Chechen Republic. The voters have entrusted you to a responsible post, and we respect this choice.

I believe that the holding of the democratic elections of January 27, 1997 in Chechen Republic is an important step towards a political settlement of relationship between the public authorities of the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic. It will take some time, good will, the efforts of all parties. I believe that only through dialogue and cooperation is possible to solve all existing problems.

Upon you, as the newly elected head of the republic, lies a daunting mission to consolidate Chechen society and implement the socio-economic reconstruction of Chechnya. I hope that all your work on this high post will be aimed at establishing peace and stability in the Republic, strengthening inter-ethnic concordance, unconditional protection of human rights and freedoms regardless of nationality, religion and other differences.

With your victory in the election, the voters have placed their hopes for a prosperous and fair life. I expect you will be able to justify these hopes.


B. Yeltsin
February 2, 1997
PR - 138