Circassian activists state loss of ICA's position in the world

The International Circassian Association (ICA) has lost its popularity and authority in the Circassian world. Russia needs to establish constructive relations with the structure alternative to the ICA, believe the Circassian activists interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 21, in Istanbul, Circassian activists staged a many-thousand-strong march along Istiklyal Street and a rally at the Russian Consulate General, dedicated to the anniversary of the end of the Caucasian War. The organizers announced the start of creating a structure, alternative to the ICA – the Confederation of Circassian Organizations (CircassFED).

The loss by the ICA of its positions in the Circassian world was expected, says Valery Khatazhukov, one of the founders of the Circassian movement in Russia and the head of the Kabardino-Balkaria Human Rights Centre.

"In recent years, we haven't seen a full-fledged organization, which would have been legitimate and expressed the interests of Circassians here in Russia and in the Diaspora," Mr Khatazhukov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

In his opinion, Russia should launch a constructive dialogue with the newly established international organization of Circassians. "The emergence today of a normal organization, which would have support both in Russia and around the world, is in the interests of Russia," said Khatazhukov.

The Circassian organizations in the USA and Europe were enthusiastic about the initiative to create an alternative structure to the ICA, voiced in Istanbul, said Iyad Yogar, a representative of the US Circassian organizations.

"Everyone knows what the so-called ICA and KAFFED (Federation of Caucasian Societies of Turkey) look like. They have a pro-Russian position – it's no secret for anybody. The ICA is in fact idling; therefore, we support the creation of an alternative association, which won't be under Moscow's control," Mr Yogar has explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.