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President Clinton voices concern over alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya
LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- President Clinton sent a letter to Russia's Acting President Vladimir Putin Tuesday, expressing "concern" over reports of alleged human rights abuses by Russian forces in Chechnya, according to an administration official.
In the letter, the president "expressed his deep concern about the situation in Chechnya and the mounting reports from respected human rights and news organizations of human rights abuses by Russian forces," said Mike Hammer, a spokesman for the National Security Council.
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In a speech Saturday at Dartmouth College, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger said this is a "moment of truth" for Russia, and that the Russians need to show they take their own laws and international obligations seriously, said Hammer.
Hammer said the president told Putin there needs to be "transparency" in terms of the investigation into any alleged abuses and human rights violations, and that those responsible need to be brought to justice.
Berger said the Russians must investigate all allegations in an "open and unbiased way.
Clinton also called on Russia to give international organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe "greater and free" access to Chechnya, and for the Russian government to ensure that Russian and international journalists are able to report from the region without any "unnecessary constraints."
Hammer said so far, Putin has not officially responded to the president's letter.
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