Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-11-20-Speech-3-222"
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"en.20021120.5.3-222"2
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"Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Chechen terrorists were most unwise in deciding to attack the theatre in Moscow. It was an appalling decision in that the toll in human life was so great. It goes without saying that the members of my group wish to pay their respects to each and every one of the victims. This hostage–taking incident has also somewhat changed Parliament’s standpoint on this issue. Prior to 11 September, the situation was simple. On the one hand, there were the Chechens, a people fighting for their freedom and their right to self–determination. On the other hand, there was the tyrannical Russian regime. There was also the United States who, for their own ends, also defended the cause of the Chechen Muslims.
The investigation into this attack and ending of the hostage situation has shown that there are very close links between the Chechen movement and international Islamic terrorism. Chechnya has become a base camp for international terrorism and the trafficking of arms and drugs.
Ladies and gentlemen, I call on you not to repeat the mistakes made at the time of the war in Kosovo. On that occasion we allowed ourselves to be led by the media and the statements made by the United States applauding the attacks on the Christian Serbs who were threatening the brave Muslims of Kosovo. Since then, we have seen, especially in France, that Kosovo has become not just a route, but also a base for Islamic terrorists operating in Western Europe. These terrorists have been active in France and Germany in particular. The latest arrests made in France, Germany and also recently in Belgium confirm this. I call on you therefore not to make the same mistake with the Chechen movement, and to stand firm against Islamic terrorism. My group does of course support the accession of Russia to the European Union. Russia is a country with a Christian tradition and culture. The history, geography, customs and traditions of Russia mean that it clearly belongs within the European Union. Russia has much to contribute and her membership would help the process of renewal within the European Union. I think that we should support Russia as it develops a culture of democracy and respect for human rights."@en1
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