Mediamax, Armenia
Sept 10 2011
"The Chechen mujahedeen cumulate their malice caused by the Armenian policy"
Saturday 10 September 2011 16:13
Exclusive interview of the chief ideologist of Chechen gunmen Movladi
Udugov to Mediamax (July 1999).
In July 1999, Mediamax made an exclusive interview with Movladi
Udugov, who was considered to be the "chief ideologist" of Chechen
gunmen during the first Chechen war. We established contact with
Udugov through the "Caucasus Center" web site and shortly afterwards
received written answers to our questions with the following
reference: "We can't answer all your questions due to reasons beyond
our control; nevertheless we will try to be objective and sincere."
Only a month after this interview, the units of Chechen gunmen led by
Shamil Basayev and Hattab attacked Dagestan. Thus, the second Chechen
war broke out.
We think it will be interesting for you to read this interview today,
12 years later.
- Have there been any contacts and meetings between the Armenian and
Chechen authorities in recent years as well as during war in Chechnya?
- During the 1991 events, when the power in Ichkeria passed to the
All-National Congress of the Chechen People, the unofficial delegation
of the Supreme Council of Armenia headed by the chairman of one of the
committees has arrived in Grozny several times. I can't remember his
name, I only know that he personally knew Johar Dudayev.
- Is it true that the Chechen detachments headed by commanders Shamil
Basayev and Ruslan Gelayev took part in hostilities in Nagorno
Karabakh?
- (No answer).
- How do you imagine the settlement of the Karabakh conflict? What do
you think, how can the dilemma between the people's right for
self-determination and the principle of inviolability of borders be
solved in this case?
- Such dilemmas exist because of the initially false formulation of
the question. We are not disposed to support the declarative-political
games, which disguise the true state of affairs. The truth is that by
the end of XX century the contours of the Christian-heathen union
become more precise and the nucleus of this union is the Zionism. This
alliance has announced a war against the Islamic world. This alliance
is, actually, shamelessly occupying the Islamic lands. Karabakh (by
the way, the Chechen name of Karabakh is Arts) is not only an
Azerbaijani territory, it is the territory of Muslims.
- Do you see any parallels between Karabakhi and Chechen conflicts?
- In this context, the Western alliance, sometimes vaguely known as
the "international community", secretly backs the occupation of
Karabakh and simultaneously pushes Russia not to leave Ichkeria (as if
it depends on Russia).
- How do you assess the policy of Armenian authorities, particularly
on common Caucasian issues?
- The seizure and the occupation of 20% of territories of a
neighboring country - is an unprecedented case even for the
post-Soviet space. This is a short-sighted policy, especially in the
Caucasus. There have never been such cases in the history of relations
of Caucasian nations. This cumulates the indignation of the majority
of Caucasian people, especially of Chechens.
- Do you feel any changes in the Armenian policy especially after the
power had passed from Levon Ter-Petrosyan to Robert Kocharyan?
- This question is incorrect for a political scientist. The Armenian
policy has for long time depended on separate people and parties and
is dictated by those who help by supplying "Mirage" and "MiG'
aircrafts. Unfortunately, Armenian politicians have made themselves
and the whole Armenian people the hostage of foreign interests.
- What do you think, could Chechnya play a role of a mediator in
normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia and
Turkey?
- Chechnya cannot be a mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The
mediation primarily assumes neutrality. We cannot copy "neutrality" of
Western Europe. God never forgives hypocrisy. We speak for the
unconditional voluntary liberation of Azerbaijani territories. And we
will support the Muslim people of Azerbaijan.
- How do you see the future of relations between Armenia and Chechnya?
- Everything depends on the Armenian leadership. Will it change its
political course or not? Will it give up the historical anachronism -
the territorial occupation? It's a question to think about: why
doesn't USA, being stronger than Armenia, physically annex anybody's
territories?
- What is Armenia's place in the Caucasus?
- Armenia's place in the Caucasus and its role will depend on the
policy of the Armenian state.
- Armenia is actively developing its military cooperation with Russian
and describes Russia as its chief military-strategic partner. Can this
have a negative impact on Armenian-Chechen relations?
- Armenia's military-strategic partner (Moscow) will have serious
problems and distresses next year. But even if Armenia turns to NATO
there will be no principal difference. Both Russia and NATO will stick
to anti-Islamic orientation. So, the relations between Chechnya and
Armenia won't improve. One may chose any sponsors and partners, but in
case of the negative political outcome Armenia cannot be shifted
either to Arkhangelsk region or to the Iberian Peninsula.
- How do you estimate Iran's role in our region?
- I have an impression that Iran has chosen wrong guidelines.
- In June 1997, Ahmed Zakayev stated that Georgia was Chechnya's main
strategic partner. What are the main priorities of Chechnya in
relations with three South Caucasus countries today?
- The main priority of Ichkeria is the decolonization of the Caucasus.
- Is there a hostile attitude towards Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh in Chechnya?
- As I have said before, the Chechen mujahedeen cumulate their fury
caused by the Armenian policy. I know that task number 2 for many
Islamic military groups after the liberation of Dagestan is Karabakh.
- What relations will be between Christians and Muslims in the 21st century?
- (No answer).
- Don't you think that the fight of Karabakhi and Chechen people is
somewhat similar? The two nations, have actually upheld and continue
to uphold their right to live on their home land.
- (No answer).
- Will you visit Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh if you are invited to?
- (No answer).
- If the war in Nagorno Karabakh resumes, will the Chechen volunteers
express desire to take part in it?
- Islamic military units will not be waiting for the resumption of the
war in Nagorno Karabakh. According to some information, they are
planning to launch a campaign for the restoration of Islamic
territories in the South Caucasus in 2000.
- Mr. Udugov, today there are many speculations about vahabism which
is being widely spread in Chechnya. Can this movement be indeed
dangerous for the outer world?
- Vahabism is s political and propagandistic myth.
- The Chairman of the parliamentary group of friendship with the
peoples of Caucasus of the Georgian parliament, Mamuka Areshidze, said
that you are the ideological inspirer of Chechen vahabists. What can
you say in this regard?
- Mamuka is wrong!
http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/terror/2349/
From: A. Papazian
Sept 10 2011
"The Chechen mujahedeen cumulate their malice caused by the Armenian policy"
Saturday 10 September 2011 16:13
Exclusive interview of the chief ideologist of Chechen gunmen Movladi
Udugov to Mediamax (July 1999).
In July 1999, Mediamax made an exclusive interview with Movladi
Udugov, who was considered to be the "chief ideologist" of Chechen
gunmen during the first Chechen war. We established contact with
Udugov through the "Caucasus Center" web site and shortly afterwards
received written answers to our questions with the following
reference: "We can't answer all your questions due to reasons beyond
our control; nevertheless we will try to be objective and sincere."
Only a month after this interview, the units of Chechen gunmen led by
Shamil Basayev and Hattab attacked Dagestan. Thus, the second Chechen
war broke out.
We think it will be interesting for you to read this interview today,
12 years later.
- Have there been any contacts and meetings between the Armenian and
Chechen authorities in recent years as well as during war in Chechnya?
- During the 1991 events, when the power in Ichkeria passed to the
All-National Congress of the Chechen People, the unofficial delegation
of the Supreme Council of Armenia headed by the chairman of one of the
committees has arrived in Grozny several times. I can't remember his
name, I only know that he personally knew Johar Dudayev.
- Is it true that the Chechen detachments headed by commanders Shamil
Basayev and Ruslan Gelayev took part in hostilities in Nagorno
Karabakh?
- (No answer).
- How do you imagine the settlement of the Karabakh conflict? What do
you think, how can the dilemma between the people's right for
self-determination and the principle of inviolability of borders be
solved in this case?
- Such dilemmas exist because of the initially false formulation of
the question. We are not disposed to support the declarative-political
games, which disguise the true state of affairs. The truth is that by
the end of XX century the contours of the Christian-heathen union
become more precise and the nucleus of this union is the Zionism. This
alliance has announced a war against the Islamic world. This alliance
is, actually, shamelessly occupying the Islamic lands. Karabakh (by
the way, the Chechen name of Karabakh is Arts) is not only an
Azerbaijani territory, it is the territory of Muslims.
- Do you see any parallels between Karabakhi and Chechen conflicts?
- In this context, the Western alliance, sometimes vaguely known as
the "international community", secretly backs the occupation of
Karabakh and simultaneously pushes Russia not to leave Ichkeria (as if
it depends on Russia).
- How do you assess the policy of Armenian authorities, particularly
on common Caucasian issues?
- The seizure and the occupation of 20% of territories of a
neighboring country - is an unprecedented case even for the
post-Soviet space. This is a short-sighted policy, especially in the
Caucasus. There have never been such cases in the history of relations
of Caucasian nations. This cumulates the indignation of the majority
of Caucasian people, especially of Chechens.
- Do you feel any changes in the Armenian policy especially after the
power had passed from Levon Ter-Petrosyan to Robert Kocharyan?
- This question is incorrect for a political scientist. The Armenian
policy has for long time depended on separate people and parties and
is dictated by those who help by supplying "Mirage" and "MiG'
aircrafts. Unfortunately, Armenian politicians have made themselves
and the whole Armenian people the hostage of foreign interests.
- What do you think, could Chechnya play a role of a mediator in
normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia and
Turkey?
- Chechnya cannot be a mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The
mediation primarily assumes neutrality. We cannot copy "neutrality" of
Western Europe. God never forgives hypocrisy. We speak for the
unconditional voluntary liberation of Azerbaijani territories. And we
will support the Muslim people of Azerbaijan.
- How do you see the future of relations between Armenia and Chechnya?
- Everything depends on the Armenian leadership. Will it change its
political course or not? Will it give up the historical anachronism -
the territorial occupation? It's a question to think about: why
doesn't USA, being stronger than Armenia, physically annex anybody's
territories?
- What is Armenia's place in the Caucasus?
- Armenia's place in the Caucasus and its role will depend on the
policy of the Armenian state.
- Armenia is actively developing its military cooperation with Russian
and describes Russia as its chief military-strategic partner. Can this
have a negative impact on Armenian-Chechen relations?
- Armenia's military-strategic partner (Moscow) will have serious
problems and distresses next year. But even if Armenia turns to NATO
there will be no principal difference. Both Russia and NATO will stick
to anti-Islamic orientation. So, the relations between Chechnya and
Armenia won't improve. One may chose any sponsors and partners, but in
case of the negative political outcome Armenia cannot be shifted
either to Arkhangelsk region or to the Iberian Peninsula.
- How do you estimate Iran's role in our region?
- I have an impression that Iran has chosen wrong guidelines.
- In June 1997, Ahmed Zakayev stated that Georgia was Chechnya's main
strategic partner. What are the main priorities of Chechnya in
relations with three South Caucasus countries today?
- The main priority of Ichkeria is the decolonization of the Caucasus.
- Is there a hostile attitude towards Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh in Chechnya?
- As I have said before, the Chechen mujahedeen cumulate their fury
caused by the Armenian policy. I know that task number 2 for many
Islamic military groups after the liberation of Dagestan is Karabakh.
- What relations will be between Christians and Muslims in the 21st century?
- (No answer).
- Don't you think that the fight of Karabakhi and Chechen people is
somewhat similar? The two nations, have actually upheld and continue
to uphold their right to live on their home land.
- (No answer).
- Will you visit Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh if you are invited to?
- (No answer).
- If the war in Nagorno Karabakh resumes, will the Chechen volunteers
express desire to take part in it?
- Islamic military units will not be waiting for the resumption of the
war in Nagorno Karabakh. According to some information, they are
planning to launch a campaign for the restoration of Islamic
territories in the South Caucasus in 2000.
- Mr. Udugov, today there are many speculations about vahabism which
is being widely spread in Chechnya. Can this movement be indeed
dangerous for the outer world?
- Vahabism is s political and propagandistic myth.
- The Chairman of the parliamentary group of friendship with the
peoples of Caucasus of the Georgian parliament, Mamuka Areshidze, said
that you are the ideological inspirer of Chechen vahabists. What can
you say in this regard?
- Mamuka is wrong!
http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/terror/2349/
From: A. Papazian