Yuri Kovalenko: Rescue Operation Was The Only Way Out

Novinite Insider » INTERVIEW | October 27, 2002, Sunday // 00:00

Yuri Kovalenko is RIA Novosti correspondent in Bulgaria. Lives in Bulgaria since 2000.

Mr. Kovalenko answered questions of Milena Hristova, Editor of Novinite.com and the News

Q: How do you assess the coverage of the events in Moscow by the Russian media?

A: The impression that I get by watching different Russian TV channels is that together all the reports looks like a puzzle, a mosaic. In my opinion the coverage was objective because different points of view were shown - the point of the view of the official authority, the hostages, and the terrorists in the building in Moscow and the terrorists in Chechnya. The opinion of the Chechen people, who are not terrorists, was also presented.

Q: A debate on the properness of the operation is rising. Do you approve of the actions of the security forces in the morning of October 26?

A: This is no easy decision. I personally think this was the right decision to take, though not perfect. Foreign journalists are currently voicing a different opinion, but there was no other way out. Such a debate will certainly gain ground in the Russian society. Still there is only thing that is worth negotiating with the terrorists, namely to release the hostages. In this respect the operation was a correct decision. Certainly the situation in Chechnya demands that a political solution is found.

Q: Do you fear tensions in Moscow could escalate, as the number of victims rises?

A: Moscow is a big city, people are different and consequently opinions will differ.

Q: What do you think was the motive of the terrorists in selecting this theatre for their target?

A: I do not think there were any social aspects to their decision. The terrorist act was certainly not a spontaneous act, but a carefully prepared operation. It was the number of the people that attracted the terrorists.

Q: How will the event change Chechnya?

A: We saw reports that showed people there staging protests against the terrorists, but I am not sure whether the people are sincere. One thing is for sure - people in Chechnya live, work, and love each other. What they want is to have a normal life.

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