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| Kadyrov wants no statements from Europe on behalf of Chechen people |
| 2010-10-13 |
| (Itar-Tass) -- Certain people, who have taken residence in Europe, should be prohibited to discuss the Chechen issue and to speak on behalf of the Chechen people, Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said at the World Congress of Chechen People in Grozny on Tuesday, implying Akhmed Zakayev. He also said that Chechens must obey by their traditions and laws and never forget about their identity no matter where they lived. "We will never wear yashmak or follow European fashion," Kadyrov said. He is glad that Chechens from all over the world have gathered together for the first time in 20 years. "We can discuss our concerns. We have understanding and support of compatriots, and that is the most important," he said. Kadyrov stressed that all the Chechen issues must be discussed in Grozny. Chechnya has not only revived but also have turned into one of the most dynamically developing regions in Russia, Speaker Dukvakha Abdurakhmanov said. "Tangible changes are taking place in Chechnya. All spheres are developing: sport, education, culture and moral upbringing are the most important areas of republican transformations," he said. Political expert Ramzan Ampukayev told the delegates about Chechen communities in Europe. He said that Chechens, who decamped their homes during the war, must preserve their identity. "The farther a refugee went, the farther he was from home, from ancestors' graves. There were people amongst the refugees who called for war while they were running to Europe and saving their lives," he said. There are 15,000 refugees from Chechnya in Germany, 15,000 in France, 19,000 in Austria, 5,500 in Poland, 200 in Spain and 100 in the UK. In all, more than 100,000 refugees live in Europe, and up to 10,000 babies are born to Chechen families across Europe every year. These children speak foreign languages, the expert said. Parents object to the need for giving more attention to the native tongue; they say that children must learn French or another language. Children forget the Chechen language as time passes and it is impossible to make them speak Chechen, Ampukayev said. Some 700 Chechen refuges died in Europe in the past decade, and 200 of them were buried in Europe and 500 in Chechnya, he said. |
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