Clinton and Yeltsin Discuss Chechnya and Global Security

President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin engaged in a critical discussion about the conflict in Chechnya, with both leaders reaffirming their stance on the issue. Clinton emphasized that the US views Chechnya as an integral part of Russia, an internal matter to be resolved by Russia's laws, while also stressing the need for a political solution to break the cycle of violence. Yeltsin presented his version of events, highlighting the terrorist threats and corruption in the region. The two leaders also touched on global security issues, including nuclear security and the fight against terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

• The US views Chechnya as an integral part of Russia, an internal matter to be resolved by Russia's laws.
• President Clinton stated that the cycle of violence in Chechnya should be broken as soon as possible through a political solution.
• President Yeltsin described the situation in Chechnya as a center of world terrorism, bribery, and corruption.
• The two leaders discussed global security issues, including nuclear security and the fight against terrorism.
• The G-7 position on Chechnya is to break the cycle of violence, with a political solution being the ultimate goal.
• President Clinton mentioned that the US believes that terrorism everywhere is wrong, including the Oklahoma City bombing and the hostage-taking in Budennovsk.
• The summit also addressed nuclear security, with a proposed summit next year in Moscow involving many countries to address this issue.

Statistics:

• 200 hostages were liberated in the Budennovsk hospital during the operation.
• The US has always stated that Chechnya is a part of Russia and a problem to be resolved by the Russian people, consistent with their constitutional laws.
• The G-7 has expressed its position on breaking the cycle of violence in Chechnya through a political solution.

Sources:

Reference: Q&A Session at the Cavalier Room of the citadel Hotel on June 17, 1995