[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 50 (Monday, December 20, 1999)]
[Page 2632]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 
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.