OSCE/ODIHR meets Presidential Representative for Human Rights in Chechnya and agrees to develop concrete support

MOSCOW, 24 March 2000 - Vladimir Kalamanov, the Russian Presidential Special Representative for Human Rights in Chechnya, today received Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR), for discussions on how the OSCE/ODIHR can support Mr Kalamanov's team in following up human rights complaints in Chechnya.

Mr Kalamanov provided an overview of the operational conditions for his office. Detailed discussion then focussed on the possibilities for practical co-operation between Mr Kalamanov's staff and the OSCE/ODIHR. Agreement was reached for immediate follow-up by the OSCE/ODIHR in the area of technical support.

It was stressed during the discussions that the OSCE fully supports the co-operation between Mr Kalamanov and the Council of Europe, and is offering its assistance to Mr Kalamanov in close co-ordination with the Council of Europe.

It was also emphasized that the international community attaches great importance to the results of the work to be undertaken by Mr Kalamanov and his team.

For further information contact Ian Gorvin in Moscow on +48 603 793 789 (mobile), or Jens-Hagen Eschenbächer in Warsaw on +48 603 683 122.