    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [December 17, 1999]
    [Pages 2312-2313]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    United States-European Union Summit Statement on Chechnya
    December 17, 1999

        The United States and the European Union are deeply concerned about
    the situation in Chechnya. We recognize Russia's right to uphold its
    territorial integrity and to defend its citizens from terrorism and
    lawlessness, and we condemn terrorism in all its manifestations. But we
    believe that Russia's military tactics in Chechnya are undermining its
    objectives, creating a humanitarian crisis, endangering innocent
    civilians, and jeopardizing stability throughout the Caucasus region. A
    military solution to the conflict is not possible. We call for an
    immediate and lasting cease-fire throughout Chechnya and a political
    dialogue that can lead to a durable solution to the crisis.
        The indiscriminate use of force against civilians is unacceptable.
    Providing for the safety of innocent civilians is a fundamental
    obligation of all states. We call on Russia to respect this principle
    unconditionally.
        We stress that the respect for the territorial integrity and
    sovereignty of neighboring states is a fundamental principle of the
    international system. We are concerned by the impact of the Chechnya
    conflict on security throughout the Caucasus and stress the importance
    of avoiding steps that would further undermine regional security.
        Displaced persons should be allowed full freedom of movement.
    Russian and regional authorities must provide for their well being. The

    [[Page 2313]]

    United States and the EU strongly support the courageous efforts of
    international relief organizations, including the UN High Commissioner
    for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Committee of the Red Cross
    (ICRC), to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced people and
    others affected by the conflict. We ask Russia to work constructively
    with these organizations and ensure security for their personnel and
    access for their operations.
        The OSCE Istanbul Summit Declaration noted that the OSCE could
    contribute to finding a political solution to the conflict. We are
    encouraged that OSCE Chairman-in-Office Vollebaek was able to visit the
    North Caucasus. We support his efforts to promote a political dialogue
    as well as the continuing role of the OSCE in finding a lasting solution
    to the conflict. We believe that an office of the OSCE Assistance Group
    should be opened in neighboring Ingushetiya to monitor the humanitarian
    situation. We call on Russia to respect all of the commitments it has
    made in the framework of the OSCE. In that regard, we acknowledge Prime
    Minister Putin's statements that he has held
    talks with representatives of Chechen President Maskhadov and urge continuation of meaningful discussions with
    responsible Chechen leaders.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.