Russian-Chechen Truce Agreement: Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic [Khasavyut Accord]

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Country/entity: Russia
Chechnya
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Russian-Chechen Truce Agreement: Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic [Khasavyut Accord]
Date: 25 Aug 1996
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Chechnya Conflicts (1991 - 2009)
The First Chechen War (1995 - 1997)
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, relations between the Federal Russian government with the over 100 ethnic groups deteriorated as demands for autonomy became a major political issue. In March 1992, a federation treaty was drafted and by 1994 the treaty was signed between 87 of the 88 federal jurisdictions and central government, with Chechnya being the exception. The conflict erupted in 1991 following the death of the head of the Communist Party in Grozny when a faction of the USSR’s dissolved military stormed Party Headquarters. Russian forces failed to re-take Grozny and in 1993 the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria announced its independence. Violence and discrimination preceded economic stagnation as non-Chechnens fled the region, and eventually an undeclared civil war broke out as the Chechen opposition attempted a counter-coup against the Chechen ruler Dzhokhar Dudayev. Following the dissolution of the Chechen Parliament in June 1993, a state of emergency was declared, and in December that year an other coup was attempted by the opposition. Issues of sovereignty spurred an assault by Russian troops in December 1994, marking the start of the first Chechen War wherein Russian troops faced four years of insurgency until a ceasefire was unilaterally declared in 1996. A peace treaty was signed in 1997 and Russian forces withdrew.

The Second Chechen War (1999 - 2004)
The inter-war period was marked by economic desolation, corruption and crime. Political polarization was rife, and religious extremism flourished. In August 1999, the Islamic International Brigade led by Shamil Basayev invaded the Russian Republic of Dagestan seeking to found an Islamic State, thereby sparking the Second Chechen War. In response, the Russian Federation began a bombing campaign against the Chechen government and eventually re-took Grozny. An insurgency began following the fall of the Chechen government and separatist attacks spurred an increasingly harsh response from the Kremlin. By 2006, the main separatist leaders had been killed, and the republic has been run by the pro-Russian government led by Ramzan Kadyrov since 2007.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Chechnya peace process
Parties: Russian Federation, signed for by A. Lebed & A. Maskhadov; Chechen Republic, signed for by S-Kh. Abumuslimov
Third parties: In the presence of the Head of the Special Task Group of the OSCE for Chechnya, Mr. T. Guldimann (not a signatory)
Description: Postponed a decision on the status of Chechnya, calling for an agreement on a treaty for regulating Russian-Chechen relations to be made before 31 December 2001. Also stipulated the creation of Joint Commission of Russian and Chechen representatives to prepare for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Chechnya, combat ‘crime and terrorism’, draw up proposals for economic reconstruction, implement programmes for rebuilding of infrastructure, and control supply and distribution of food and medical aid. Joint commitment to agreement made by parties on 31 August 1996.

Agreement document: RU_CRI_960825_Russian-Chechen Truce Agreement.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Anti-discrimination
Page 1, We, the undersigned,...embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences...

Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 3. The legal system of the Chechen Republic is based upon the respect for human and civil rights, upon the right of national towards the self-determination, upon the principles of equal rights of nations, of the priority of civil accord, international peace and security for citizens residing on the territory of the Chechen Republic regardless of their nationality, religious identity and other differences.
Religious groups: Groups→Religious groups→Anti-discrimination
Page 1, We, the undersigned,...exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences...

Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 3. The legal system of the Chechen Republic is based upon the respect for human and civil rights, upon the right of national towards the self-determination, upon the principles of equal rights of nations, of the priority of civil accord, international peace and security for citizens residing on the territory of the Chechen Republic regardless of their nationality, religious identity and other differences.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: Groups→Other groups→Anti-discrimination
Page 1, We, the undersigned,...exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences...
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: Page 1, We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:

Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 3. The legal system of the Chechen Republic is based upon the respect for human and civil rights, upon the right of national towards the self-determination, upon the principles of equal rights of nations, of the priority of civil accord, international peace and security for citizens residing on the territory of the Chechen Republic regardless of their nationality, religious identity and other differences.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
1. The treaty regulating the basis fundamentals of relations between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic, to be governed by the universally accepted principles and norms of the international law, shall have been reached prior to 31 December, 2001.

Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 3. The legal system of the Chechen Republic is based upon the respect for human and civil rights, upon the right of national towards the self-determination, upon the principles of equal rights of nations, of the priority of civil accord, international peace and security for citizens residing on the territory of the Chechen Republic regardless of their nationality, religious identity and other differences.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: Page 1, We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:
Civil and political rights: Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Equality
Page 1, We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Thought, opinion, conscience and religion
Page 1, We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:
Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Other
Page 1, We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 2. No later than 1 October, 1996, a Joint Commission shall have been formed, constituted by the representatives of the state authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Chechen Republic, the duties of which shall be as follows:
-- to prepare proposals for the reconstruction of currency, fiscal and budgetary relations;

Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 2. No later than 1 October, 1996, a Joint Commission shall have been formed, constituted by the representatives of the state authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Chechen Republic, the duties of which shall be as follows:
-- to prepare for the enactment by the Government of the Russian Federation of programmes for the rebuilding of the socio-economic infrastructure of the Chechen Republic;

Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 2. No later than 1 October, 1996, a Joint Commission shall have been formed, constituted by the representatives of the state authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Chechen Republic, the duties of which shall be as follows:
-- to control the agreed forms of cooperation of the state authorities and other relevant organizations concerning the supply and distribution of food and medical aid among the population.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 3. The legal system of the Chechen Republic is based upon the respect for human and civil rights, upon the right of national towards the self-determination, upon the principles of equal rights of nations, of the priority of civil accord, international peace and security for citizens residing on the territory of the Chechen Republic regardless of their nationality, religious identity and other differences.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Page 1, We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:

Page 1, Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 2. No later than 1 October, 1996, a Joint Commission shall have been formed, constituted by the representatives of the state authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Chechen Republic, the duties of which shall be as follows:
-- to assume control over the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation issues on 25 June, 1996, under No. 985, and to prepare proposals concerning the completion of the withdrawal of the armed forces;
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: Page 1, Page 1, Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic
... 2. No later than 1 October, 1996, a Joint Commission shall have been formed, constituted by the representatives of the state authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Chechen Republic, the duties of which shall be as follows:
-- to initiate joint undertakings directed towards the combat of crime, terrorism and nationalist and religious prejudices, and to control their implementation;

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: 2. establishes Joint Commission consisting of reps of Russian Federation and the Chechen Rep to prepare proposals for troop withdrawal, combatting violence, socio-economic infrastructure, budegtary and fiscal relations, distribution of food and medical aid
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: INCORE

Russian-Chechen Truce Agreement

We, the undersigned, taking into account the progress achieved towards the ending of the warfare, endeavouring to create a mutually acceptable basis for the political solution of the armed conflict, recognizing that it is prohibited to use armed forces or to threaten the use of force as a means towards the resolution of issues under dispute, embarking upon the universally recognized right of nations to self-determination, upon the principles of equality, freedom of choice, freedom expression of will, strengthening of international accord and security of all nations, exercising the will towards the defence of human and civil rights regardless of his or her nationality, religious affiliations, place of residence and other differences, towards the ending of acts of violence in relations of political adversaries, which at the same time embarking upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1949 and upon the International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, have jointly worked out the Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic according to which the further peace process shall be developed:

Principles for Determining the Fundamentals of the Relations Between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic

1. The treaty regulating the basis fundamentals of relations between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic, to be governed by the universally accepted principles and norms of the international law, shall have been reached prior to 31 December, 2001.

2. No later than 1 October, 1996, a Joint Commission shall have been formed, constituted by the representatives of the state authorities of the Russian Federation and of the Chechen Republic, the duties of which shall be as follows:

-- to assume control over the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation issues on 25 June, 1996, under No.

985, and to prepare proposals concerning the completion of the withdrawal of the armed forces;

-- to initiate joint undertakings directed towards the combat of crime, terrorism and nationalist and religious prejudices, and to control their implementation;

-- to prepare proposals for the reconstruction of currency, fiscal and budgetary relations;

-- to prepare for the enactment by the Government of the Russian Federation of programmes for the rebuilding of the socio-economic infrastructure of the Chechen Republic;

-- to control the agreed forms of cooperation of the state authorities and other relevant organizations concerning the supply and distribution of food and medical aid among the population.

3. The legal system of the Chechen Republic is based upon the respect for human and civil rights, upon the right of national towards the self-determination, upon the principles of equal rights of nations, of the priority of civil accord, international peace and security for citizens residing on the territory of the Chechen Republic regardless of their nationality, religious identity and other differences.

4. The Joint Commission shall end its work upon the mutual agreement of the parties.

Signed by A. Lebed, A. Maskhadov, S-Kh.

Abumuslimov

Date of signing:

25.08.1996, Place of signing:

Khasavyurt, Republic of Dagestan

In the presence of the Head of the Special Task Group of the OSCE for Chechnya, Mr. T. Guldimann