Verlegung der Frauen-WM wird gefordert
Die Zuspitzung der Ereignisse zwischen Georgien und Russland wirkt sich nun auch auf das Schachgeschehen aus. Naltschik, wo in gut zwei Wochen die Frauen-WM beginnen soll, ist durch schwere Kämpfe im Oktober 2005 zu trauriger Berühmtheit gelangt, liegt nur etwa 100 Kilometer von Gebieten, in denen derzeit gekämpft oder zumindest geschossen wird, und auch das Eintreffen von Flüchtlingen wird bereits kolportiert. Sicherheitsbedenken einzelner Frauen, die abgesagt haben, waren hier schon ein Thema. Nun rufen weitere Qualifikantinnen in einem Offenen Brief die FIDE auf, die WM zu verlegen. Hier der Wortlaut:
"Dear chess friends!
We would like to inform you about current situation regarding women chess championship which should be held in Nalchik.
As it was known before Cabardino-Balkaria is the most dangerous region in Russia. Especially now, in view of current events, situation became more dangerous. War zone in South Osetia is around 140 km from Nalchik. Not only the conflict zone, but the other areas around are bombing permanently. Many refugees are escaping to Kabardino-Balkaria. Being in Nalchik is not safe for all players.
According all this facts we would like to apply FIDE to change the place of women world championship and move it to the safety place..
P. S. If you are agree, please join us with signing attachment, and please send it to FIDE and to us (Maia Chiburdanidze, Lela Javakhishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Nino Khurtsidze, Maia Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili) by this e-mail: wchampionship@yahoo.com"
Dass die Erstunterzeichnerinnen allesamt Georgierinnen sind, entwertet den Vorstoß freilich, denn er kann - und wird wohl - als politisch abgetan werden. Schließlich ist der kritisierte Austragungsort in Russland, und das ist Georgiens Gegner in den akuellen Konflikten um Abchasien und Südossetien.
Eine unbefangene Entscheidung ist freilich von der FIDE kaum zu erwarten. Ihr Präsident Iljumschinow ist selbst Chef eines Gebiets im Süden Russland und muss in Treue zum Kreml stehen.
PS: Die kanadische Meisterin Natalia Khoudgarian hat ebenfalls schon im Juni unter Verweis auf die Reisewarnung des kanadischen Außenamts abgesagt mit diesem (nie beantworteten) Brief an den FIDE-Vorstand:
"Dear members of FIDE presidential Board,
It was a great surprise to find out that the World Women's Championship 2008 was scheduled to be held in Nalchik, as it is well known from the news that North Caucasus region is a very dangerous and nonsecure place.
Canadian travel advisory page tells to avoid all Travel and has the following information:
"OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Chechen Republic or the neighbouring North Caucasus region, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria, but excluding Stavropol Krai and the Republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia. Canadians in Chechnya should leave. The security situation is unstable and dangerous.
Heavy military activity, terrorist bombings, kidnappings, and unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Canadians contemplating travel to Chechnya despite this warning are taking serious and unwarranted risks. The ability of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to render assistance is severely limited or non-existent."
Under this circumstances I would like to express a great regret to the decission of FIDE presidential Board to held the 2008 World Women's Championship in this region and cancel my participation.
If there will be change and the Championship will be scheduled for a different location I would be happy to play.
Sincerely,
Natalia Khoudgarian
Canadian Women's Chess Champion"
"Dear chess friends!
We would like to inform you about current situation regarding women chess championship which should be held in Nalchik.
As it was known before Cabardino-Balkaria is the most dangerous region in Russia. Especially now, in view of current events, situation became more dangerous. War zone in South Osetia is around 140 km from Nalchik. Not only the conflict zone, but the other areas around are bombing permanently. Many refugees are escaping to Kabardino-Balkaria. Being in Nalchik is not safe for all players.
According all this facts we would like to apply FIDE to change the place of women world championship and move it to the safety place..
P. S. If you are agree, please join us with signing attachment, and please send it to FIDE and to us (Maia Chiburdanidze, Lela Javakhishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Nino Khurtsidze, Maia Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili) by this e-mail: wchampionship@yahoo.com"
Dass die Erstunterzeichnerinnen allesamt Georgierinnen sind, entwertet den Vorstoß freilich, denn er kann - und wird wohl - als politisch abgetan werden. Schließlich ist der kritisierte Austragungsort in Russland, und das ist Georgiens Gegner in den akuellen Konflikten um Abchasien und Südossetien.
Eine unbefangene Entscheidung ist freilich von der FIDE kaum zu erwarten. Ihr Präsident Iljumschinow ist selbst Chef eines Gebiets im Süden Russland und muss in Treue zum Kreml stehen.
PS: Die kanadische Meisterin Natalia Khoudgarian hat ebenfalls schon im Juni unter Verweis auf die Reisewarnung des kanadischen Außenamts abgesagt mit diesem (nie beantworteten) Brief an den FIDE-Vorstand:
"Dear members of FIDE presidential Board,
It was a great surprise to find out that the World Women's Championship 2008 was scheduled to be held in Nalchik, as it is well known from the news that North Caucasus region is a very dangerous and nonsecure place.
Canadian travel advisory page tells to avoid all Travel and has the following information:
"OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Chechen Republic or the neighbouring North Caucasus region, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria, but excluding Stavropol Krai and the Republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessia. Canadians in Chechnya should leave. The security situation is unstable and dangerous.
Heavy military activity, terrorist bombings, kidnappings, and unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Canadians contemplating travel to Chechnya despite this warning are taking serious and unwarranted risks. The ability of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to render assistance is severely limited or non-existent."
Under this circumstances I would like to express a great regret to the decission of FIDE presidential Board to held the 2008 World Women's Championship in this region and cancel my participation.
If there will be change and the Championship will be scheduled for a different location I would be happy to play.
Sincerely,
Natalia Khoudgarian
Canadian Women's Chess Champion"
schachblogger - 11. Aug, 22:22
