Conflicting parties agree to cease hostilities during talks on Chechnya

VIENNA, 22 June 1995 - Representatives of the Federal Authorities of the Russian Federation and the Dudayev side, meeting under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, reached detailed agreement yesterday on measures to immediately cease hostilities. The parties agreed to establish a Special Monitoring Commission, comprising representatives of all sides and the OSCE, to monitor the implementation of the agreement.

Both sides agreed that as the process of disarmament and deposition of arms followed its course, the Federal Armed Forces would accordingly withdraw, step by step and region by region. They agreed to the deployment of one Federal brigade in the Chechen Republic to provide support to law enforcement authorities in the region.

The agreement also calls for an "all for all" exchange of prisoners. Prisoners will be freed without exception. Under the agreement, the Federal Authorities will guarantee the safety of those who have laid down their arms.

Both sides denounced terrorist acts. The Chechen side agreed to give assistance to the Federal Authorities in finding and detaining Shamil Bassaev and his group, accused of the hostage taking in Budionnovsk.

The measures were adopted in the 21 June "Protocol of the meeting of the delegations concerning a peaceful solution to the Chechen Republic, with the assistance of the OSCE."

Talks today are focusing on political questions including the holding of elections. The talks are being held in the Grozny offices of the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya. The Head of the Assistance Group, Mr. Sándor Mészáros, is chairing the talks.