CRO, SLOVENE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CALL ON CROATIA TO DENOUNCE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN RUSSIA

LJUBLJANA/ZAGREB, Jan 30 (Hina) - Amnesty International of Slovenia (AIS) and Amnesty International of Croatia (AIH) on Tuesday expressed regret that Monday's talks between Slovene officials and Russian parliamentarians did not focus on the problem of human rights in Chechnya. A Russian parliament delegation is visiting Slovenia and will arrive in Croatia for a two-day visit on Wednesday. The AIS and AIH, stressing the human rights situation in Russia "is at least sad", they expressed expectation Croatian officials will "show a greater measure of sensitivity for the respect of human rights in the world and more political wisdom" than their Slovene colleagues, by clearly stating they would "not tolerate the violation of human rights wherever it happens". The two countries' organisations said both sides in the conflict in Russia continue with heavy breaches of human rights and of the international humanitarian law. In contacts with Russian authorities it is important to insist that recommendations of the Council of Europe be implemented urgently to permanent and just peace could be achieved in Chechnya and end the sufferings of civilians, the organiations said. (hina) lml