Russia Slams EU Resolution on Human Rights Violations in Chechnya

Russia has described the resolution as "a form of encouragement to terrorism." Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Fedotov also defined the draft resolution as "politicised," according to Italian news agency Ansa, adding that it "puts in doubt the progress of the political process in the North Caucasus" and puts at risk "the uncompromising fight against international terrorism." The resolution, which is expected to be voted on at the end of this week, "strongly condemns the ongoing serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Chechnya." Some of the violations cited include "forced disappearances, extra judicial executions, torture, ill treatment, arbitrary detentions and abductions." "This is not a friendly act", Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Chizhov said, according to AFP news agency. "It does not reflect the partnership relations between Russia and the EU." A similar resolution brought by the EU to the UN commission last year was rejected by the 53-country assembly. (EUobserver.com)