So far, only war management has been developed. But there are clear methods to eliminate the conflict. Those who took hostages in the Theater Center demanded an end to the war. Political commentators close to the authorities unanimously declare that these...

So far, only war management has been developed. But there are also clear methods to resolve the conflict.

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Those who took hostages in the Theater Center demanded an end to the war. Political commentators close to the authorities unanimously declare that these demands are unrealistic. This means that the hopes of the majority of the population of Russia, who have long been tired of this war, are also unrealizable. Meanwhile, the question is not at all whether the war will be stopped, whether the troops will be withdrawn. Both will still need to be done. If not today, then later - after several more disasters. The question is: how?

Negotiations - with Maskhadov

First of all: what does it mean to end the war? It takes months and even years to really secure a peaceful settlement. This is a complex process. But in order to start it, in order to show political will and readiness for peace, one political statement by the President of Russia is enough.

Only it should be such a statement that leaves no room for ambiguity, after which no reverse is possible.

A ceasefire order can be issued and executed within a maximum of 24 hours. In the same way, an invitation to Maskhadov to come to the Kremlin for negotiations can be made, security guarantees are provided.

Every time something happens in Chechnya, we are told that Maskhadov is to blame. Every time the world is discussed, we are told that Maskhadov does not control anything.

But the specificity of guerrilla warfare lies in the fact that there is no single operational command, but there can be a generally recognized political leadership.

While the fighting is going on, Maskhadov cannot control every detachment. It's technically impossible, it would only weaken his side. But Maskhadov's political authority is now recognized by all field commanders. The ceasefire means that the Chechen president will be able to effectively and realistically control the situation. How long it will last is another question. But this depends on the further development of the negotiation process.

Power vacuum or peace process?

The technology of a phased settlement easily emerges.

The ceasefire must be followed by the formation of a new local authority. It is necessary to elect the representative bodies of the republic. It is with these freely and honestly elected bodies of power that the final negotiations on the status of Chechnya will have to be conducted. If the elections are held under international control and are recognized by both parties, Maskhadov may transfer his powers.

But only if we are talking about real and fair elections, in which ALL political forces, the majority of the population, including refugees, will participate.

Other mechanisms for the formation of a peaceful congress are also possible. The main thing is that it be representative, that it be recognized by the majority of the population of the republic and the armed formations operating on its territory. This cannot be done without Maskhadov's consent, but judging by a number of signals, Maskhadov is ready to support such a decision.

The maintenance of peace and order in the republic cannot be ensured either by Russian troops, let alone militants. Whether we like it or not, it is impossible to do without international participation.

Similar options are already being discussed in the European Parliament. This is not the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where there is neither power nor money. This is a structure that has a real opportunity to allocate money and impose sanctions. A group of European Parliament representatives led by Finnish MP Reino Paasilina has already tried to visit Chechnya, but the Russian authorities did not give them such an opportunity.

Representatives of the European Union are ready to allocate money for the restoration of the republic. There are means for this. Two weeks ago, in Helsinki, Paasilina told me that in the long run the Europeans are as interested in eliminating the hotbed of tension in the Caucasus as we are. Moreover, such a restoration mechanism may well be established that will not allow money to be plundered in the way that happened during the last restoration of Chechnya. Theft is neither an insurmountable natural disaster, nor an ancestral curse that hangs over Russians and Chechens. It just needs the political will to stop it.

Last time it was directed in the exact opposite direction...

peacekeepers

One way or another, no one will give a cent until the shooting stops and until real order is restored. An international peacekeeping force is not the most pleasant solution for Russia. But you have to go for it. The question, however, is not whether or not to introduce peacekeepers, but on what grounds, with what mandate, with what powers. It is here that it is important to take care of ensuring the sovereignty of both Russia and Chechnya. And here, paradoxically, we will have a common interest.

The Russian authorities say that our problems are not understood in Europe. Well, it is necessary to let the representatives of the European Union figure out what is happening on their own. Or does the Russian side itself not believe in its own rightness?

Only the presence of peacekeepers will make it possible to solve the dual task of withdrawing troops and disarming the partisans. These two processes must be coordinated. And to agree on this is not so difficult. Especially since Maskhadov's side has already stated (A. Zakaev in an interview with Novaya Gazeta) that for the transitional period it is ready to agree even to direct presidential rule from Moscow.

Obviously, this gives President Putin a serious chance to resolve the conflict.

Political will

Several times I repeated the words political will. And it is no coincidence. When politicians and journalists start vying to say that the solution of issues should be left to professionals, they only betray their own incompetence and fear of personal responsibility. By talking about "professionals" we have reached the current situation. It is the "professionals" (not the super "Alpha" I mean) who are to blame for the fact that the Chechen military formations are now five kilometers from the Kremlin.

And it's not that professionals are bad. Or other professionals are needed. No, we are professionals. No worse than, for example, American ones. It's just that, as Clemenceau said, war is too serious a matter to be left to the generals. A political solution begins when politicians decide to take responsibility and stop hiding behind the backs of the military.

By the way, it is the politicians, not the military, who are the obstacles to a settlement. It is the desire of civilian leaders to appear "strong" and "resolute" that is behind irresponsible statements and unpromising decisions. It's time to call a spade a spade: trying to prove its "coolness", the political party only demonstrates inner emptiness and incompetence.

Do not scare us with talk that the army will not obey peaceful orders. Firstly, among the military there are quite enough reasonable and literate people who understand the futility of SUCH a war. And secondly, an army that does not obey orders is no longer an army, but a bandit formation. It must be said directly: is there an army in Russia or not?

Politicians must finally do their job. Show courage by working for peace. As for the generals, they must follow orders.