» By: Furqan Shaikh
Russia and Chechnya This is in response to Mr Vladimir Mikhaylov's letter (Aug 1). Firstly, I would like to praise his statement about the ongoing successful development of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia. In regard to Chechnya, I think the acts committed by Russia speak more than any words I can write here. History reveals the lack of respect Russia has shown towards its neighbours and the world community at large in the past. It is one of the few countries in the new world order which has attempted to occupy a sovereign country, namely Afghanistan. And as history has shown us time and again, that oppression anywhere in the world has no long-lived victory. As for the so-called lack of facts to point towards the human right abuses committed in Chechnya by Russia, may I ask Mr Mikhaylov to avail himself of the services of the Internet and read reports of any of the reputable human right groups around the world which cover Chechnya and he will get plenty of facts and figures. As for terrorism, let us consider the recent Western media reports that Mr Mikhaylov has urged us to consider. In regard to the alleged terrorism committed by Chechnya rebels on Russian soil, the most famous of which was the apartment building bombings, recent confirmed reports point towards a direct link to the Russian intelligence agencies. It is yet to be seen whether this link was just in regard to facilitating or masterminding these acts. But all said and done, once again I thank him for his kind comments on the development of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia.