Participation to the International Conference on the 105th Anniversary of the Northern Caucasus Mountainous Republic

As the Council of United Circassia, we participated in the International Conference on the 105th Anniversary of the Northern Caucasus Mountainous Republic, held in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 27, 2023. The conference was organized by the Ukrainian Government and the Chechen Ichkeria Republic Government. It has been observed that various individuals and groups have made different assessments regarding the conference. Therefore, it has been deemed appropriate to issue a statement to inform the Circassian nation.

First and foremost, since our inaugural founding meeting, the Council of United Circassia's primary goal has been to establish an independent Circassian state on the historic Circassian lands. Every activity of our Council is aimed at achieving this fundamental goal. We continue to pursue our activities within the framework of the law, remaining faithful to our core objective.
Considering this reminder, it is necessary to emphasize certain points. The Mountainous Republic of the Caucasus is not just a historical period in Circassian history; it is an entity formed by the various Caucasian peoples, including the Circassians, to determine their own destinies between 1918 and 1921. Despite its short existence, it is an event that has left its mark on the history of not only the Circassians but also all the peoples of the North Caucasus. Therefore, it is only natural for Circassians to participate in a conference commemorating the Mountainous Republic, which is a milestone in Circassian history.

The Council of United Circassia is solely focused on the ideal of an independent Circassia. However, there is no objection to participating in a conference commemorating the establishment of the Caucasus Mountainous Republic 105 years ago.

While the conference in question is a commemorative event, it does not aim to rebuild the Mountainous Republic of the Caucasus. Moreover, there was no agenda item to establish the Mountainous Republic discussed during the conference.

Following the official invitation by the Ukrainian and Chechen Ichkeria Governments, the Council of United Circassia decided that participating in the conference and advocating for the ideal of an independent Circassia would be the right course of action.

 

In this context, The Council of United Circassia submitted an application to the Ukrainian Government for the recognition of the Circassian Genocide in the past months. The call for the recognition of the Circassian Genocide by the Ukrainian Parliament was reiterated during the conference in Kiev.

The Council of United Circassia has once again reaffirmed its goal of establishing an independent Circassian state on the historic Circassian lands to the entire world. It has been explicitly stated in the presence of the participants that no entity other than a sovereign Circassian state will be accepted on the historic Circassian lands. Our expectations for the recognition of our rights and interests on Circassia and the respect for these rights and interests in accordance with international law have been conveyed to all stakeholders.

It has been determined that 138 Circassians and approximately 2,000 Caucasians have lost their lives fighting on the Russian side since the start of the war with Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The call for Circassian fighters to refrain from participating in the conflict with the Russian army has been reiterated. It has been emphasized that Russia's attempt to sow hostility among these peoples by involving North Caucasians in the Ukrainian front is an evil plan that needs to be recognized by everyone.

During the conference sessions and our discussions with Mr. Ahmed Zakayev, our goals, expectations, and approaches to various issues were clearly expressed.

Similarly, fruitful discussions were held with representatives from Tatarstan, Dagestan, and Crimea, and new relationships were established. Agreements were reached on cooperation and solidarity among the indigenous peoples of the North Caucasus. Important discussions were held on the recognition of the Circassian Genocide, national issues, rights based on international law, and prospects.

As Circassians, we remind everyone that we must collaborate and act in solidarity with the indigenous peoples of the North Caucasus for the stability and security of the North Caucasus in the post-Russia era. These peoples will be our border neighbors. It is inevitable to establish intergovernmental relations with these peoples once Circassia achieves independence.
It has been observed that a disinformation campaign, directed from a single center and produced in Russian using fake accounts, circulated on social media. It has also been seen that some well-intentioned individuals shared the same texts in Turkish for the purpose of disinformation.

In our Council, it has been concluded that those who launched an attack against the Council of United Circassia without even reading the final declaration of the conference or attempted to distort the fourth article of this declaration are pursuing clear disinformation objectives.

The aforementioned final declaration does not contain any expression regarding the establishment of the Mountainous Republic. Furthermore, this declaration invites the Ukrainian government to cooperate with organizations and committees fighting for the freedom and liberation of Ingushetia, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Adyghe. In the current situation, this article cannot be considered as an expression contrary to the goals of a United and Independent Circassia.

The Council of United Circassia will continue to strive for a fully independent and united Circassia in accordance with its founding purpose. It should be remembered that our negotiations, contacts, and activities will always be conducted within the framework of this objective, and no attention should be given to claims that are contrary to it.

Respectfully announced.