Marsho Radio: Premier Minister of Ichkeria, Akhmed Zakaev, responded to the question of how the war has begun in Chechnya and was Djokhar Dudaev really a reason for that?

PM, Akhmed Zakaev: Since all troubles have begun, we are still talking about different arguments and different reasons. But what actually important for all of us now is the war that still exists in Chechnya. And those who are accusing our first president of war are the actual reason for all troubles in Chechnya. That’s why they are all speaking for themselves and trying to get more on their sides.

Long time ago, when the war was about to begin, all media in Russia and in Chechnya was showing Boris Elcin as the wrong one in the conflict. But talking shortly about these few reasons of why Russia has begun its war in Chechnya was democratic reforms that Chechnya agreed to live on. And democratic reforms weren't something that was just made as from nothing. They was made on people’s believes and people’s wills to live according to their liberty or freedom of choice. Well, Communism took everything out of the Chechens. And it was important to rebuild everything that has been lost such as freedom and use the Chechen’s will to wake up from 1990s.

To the question of Djokhar Dudaev, Premier said:

The war that Russia brought to Chechnya is one of the dirtiest wars from all. And Djokhar Dudaev did whatever he could to not let this happen. He was in search for ways to protect Chechnya and Chechens from war.

I remember a picture; it was on 28 December, in Palace of Djokhar Dudaev. I was next to him and I remember that Djokhar received a letter from Elcin. In fact, it was very impolite telegram. It wasn’t even saying to the president or anything like that. The letter was saying that if Djokhar won’t come to one of the decided places, very bad things could happen. The letter was more as ultimatum reform. I was there and I remember other 26/27 ministers of ChRI. Djokhar showed the letter to all of us and asked us for assistance to find a way against Russia’s will to begin the war in Chechnya. Then, all of the ministers and head advisers announced: “What Russia wants is to eliminate Chechen freedom and independence! Therefore, we all disagree to let you go and meet him, especially after such crazy and disrespected telegram! No! If you go there, you will destroy the nation and you will destroy everything Chechens fought for! We do not allow you to do so!” But Djokhar said to us: “You people don’t know what war means! War means killings of innocent people! Therefore, I have to go and meet Elcin to protect Chechens from war and to save our Nation. I will defend our rights on the meeting and you will guide me.”

Russians didn’t want that! They didn’t want Djokhar to be so peaceful with them. That’s why on the next year, on 11^th December, Russia has forced their armies into Chechnya and begun the war.

No matter what type of “government” Russia will install in Chechnya and no matter how many times they will clean Chechnya. – The pain, loses, deaths, tortures, and mass violation of human rights will not disappear from the Chechen’s minds!

ChechenCenter.info