But external criticism continues to emanate from the E.U., especially on the issues of human rights. In April of this year, Moscow complained over a critical draft U.N. human rights resolution on Chechnya, proposed by the European Union. The draft condemned human rights violations in Chechnya and expressed concern over civilian difficulties in getting authorities to investigate human rights abuses. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov stated that the draft was "politicized," calling it an "encouragement of sorts to terrorists."
In addition, the tensions between Moscow and the E.U. over Chechnya culminated in a huge row this September, when the E.U. foreign ministers demanded that Moscow provide them with information into how the Beslan hostage tragedy could have occurred. Moscow saw this statement as a clear interference in its internal affairs, and has reacted angrily and defensively, calling the E.U.'s inquiry an "insolent and deeply offensive" act. While both sides tried to smooth over this incident by later calling it a "misunderstanding," the issue over how each side views the Chechen conflict again bubbled to the surface.
The E.U. was concerned that President Putin wanted to reinforce security troops in the province, prepping up the military already on the ground. In official comments, the Europeans wanted Russians to undertake a political task of understanding the opposing point of view. But Moscow has stated time and time again that it will not yet seek a political solution to the conflict, and will not attempt to negotiate with Chechen militants or their allies and supporters.
Even if the Russian side has overreacted to the European inquiry, its response highlights the degree of sensitivity it attaches to the tragedy in Beslan and to its internal affairs in general. European Union representatives attempted to further smooth over its inquiry by stating that the information regarding Russia's handling of the hostage crisis should be helpful in learning from each others' mistakes, but deep resentment will continue to simmer in Russia over what it saw as Europe's insensitivity to the hostage tragedy.
- Russia-U.S. Relations
Moscow's resentment towards Europe over the fundamental differences in handling Chechnya is also applied to the United States. Following the Beslan tragedy, the U.S. expressed willingness to hold talks with Chechens who seek independence. The Russian foreign ministry spokesman called such talks with Chechen rebel leaders "absolutely unacceptable," even suggesting that such course of action could harm bilateral relations.
In the eyes of Russians, these Chechen leaders are behind the recent terrorist attacks in the country. But while the U.S. can also advocate an eventual peaceful settlement in Chechnya, Moscow and Washington share a closer security relationship and understanding following the September 11 attacks on American soil, and the recent terror attacks against Russian civilians. This does not seem to change even as the U.S. granted asylum to a former Chechen rebel leader, Ilyas Akhmadov, whom Russians have implicated in terrorist activities. Yet, even this fact did not stop Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov from saying that it is easier to find grounds for an understanding with the U.S. than with some European states on the issues of fighting terrorism. The U.S. presidential statements that America stands side by side with Russia as the two countries fight terrorism reinforce this working relationship between the two states.
- Conclusion
As President Putin proposes policies that would give him much more power within the Russian Federation, the U.S. has stressed its support for Moscow's struggle against terrorism. Putin's policies would eventually lead to more forceful actions in Chechnya and to specific decisions that run counter to Europe's commitment to a political settlement in the Chechen war and its support for human rights. The European Union will continue to hold a magnifying glass to the Chechnya situation, and will certainly hold Russia to a higher standard of responsibility in the future.
Russia will react in a defensive, even angry manner, just as before. This seems to be the major point of contention in the relationship between the Russian Federation and the E.U. While both can negotiate various economic and political issues, Chechnya was and will continue to remain an issue of major contention. Putin's increase in power will strengthen his resolve not to settle the Chechen issue politically, especially after the criticism his administration sustained in the handling of the Beslan hostage crisis. U.S. support for Russia's war against terrorism will move the political solution to the Chechen conflict further in the background. Europe, on the other hand, will continue to insist on the political solution that is currently becoming less and less likely. It is not conceivable that the E.U. will abandon its criticism of Russia's actions in Chechnya. This issue will continue to be major point of conflict between the two powers for years to come.
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