Interview with ORT Channel
January 15, 2000 Part 3
Интервью телеканалу ОРТ
15 января 2000 года.
SERGEI DORENKO: Heres what Id like to say. I know that you have avoided the question about the operations duration but the military have their own political resources. Getting reports about three casualties per day will not work in the long run. We have been saying that these are not big losses, but they mean tragedies for at least three families. If there are political resources, how long can this military mission continue? I believe that no matter how bloody it might be, it should be short. In our September 5 programme we talked about carpet bombings. They could resolve the problem in a fortnight. And now, months after this problem could have been resolved, and all villages occupied, we could debate whether this was good or bad, but, as weve already said, winners are never blamed. You are saying the problem is that they are using a human shield. As a result, we are accused of foul play. This is what the West is talking about, this is what the Western and even Russian media have been writing about. Those who are using this human shield are not accused of cruelty. So, if we are to play by these rules, we have two options either start negotiations with them and avoid civilian deaths, or close our eyes and go for a quick carpet bombing.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We see the problem differently. Ive already discussed it with you. We consider Chechen civilians our citizens and will never sacrifice them to any military objectives. We will never do that. As for the operations duration, it will be determined by military expediency.
Our actions will be tough but not cruel. What does that mean? Let me remind you what has been happening until now. Say, our troops have approached a village. If people from certain buildings offer armed resistance I emphasize the adjective armed that threatens the lives of our troops, these buildings will be destroyed. But if there is no resistance, if civilians oust the terrorists from their villages risking their own lives, we will cooperate with them. We will not simply cooperate and welcome such actions by civilians we will win them over to our side. Only by gaining broader local support will we achieve final success not with carpet bombings.
SERGEI DORENKO: This is a long process.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, it will take time and patience. But it is the only civilized solution to the problem. Any other solution will not merely be useless for achieving our objectives in Chechnya, but it will not be accepted by our own people. You see, it would be a heavy burden for Russia. If we win this way, it will be a heavy burden for the entire country. I dont think we should try to achieve our goals by such means.
SERGEI DORENKO: Id like to ask you this question. Youve spoken about success. Success is a political solution. In other words, military success should be replaced with a political process. After all, civilian life in Chechnya will not be determined by military garrisons. Hence, talks will have to be held with men aged between 10 and 60. Not with women probably, but certainly with men, and some of them are on the battlefield now.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: You are underestimating the role of women. It is true that during hostilities and by virtue of certain traditions, relations are taking a different shape there. But you shouldnt underestimate women they play an important role in Muslim countries as well.
As for resolving major problems by political instruments, we first have to make sure that we have these instruments. This is very closely linked with what weve just discussed. If we decide to employ any means to reach our objectives, we will never create an environment for political settlement. There will be nobody to negotiate with, except for men aged 10-12, children. Neither women nor adult men will talk to us if we treat them with cruelty.
SERGEI DORENKO: But we could turn some other way. What I mean is that the process should have a goal. It should be like a flag on a hill that a skier can see from the valley. You move toward this flag even in a snowstorm when you cant see the track. But in our case, we cant see the flag.
VLADIMIR PUTIN: We do. Let me show you. First, we will gain complete control of Grozny. Second, we will complete our operations in the mountains, no matter who might be hiding there in the caves.
SERGEI DORENKO: Will the elections come next?
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8:47
В.Путин.Интервью ведущему CNN,Ларри Кингу. 08.09.00 Part 5by niknikolay41,498 views
Bud´ ti proklyat !
Sofiya1981 2 years ago