Open Letter to President Bush

Russia's unprecedented cooperation with the United States against terrorism may signal the beginning of a new era of constructive relations. But it should not diminish U.S. expectations for democratic change in Russia or U.S. efforts to end atrocities in Chechnya. We hope that as you seize opportunities for a new partnership at your summit with President Vladimir Putin, you will also send two cautionary messages: First, Russia's integration with a larger democratic community can succeed only if it upholds the principles of democracy and human rights at home. Second, Russia's contributions to the campaign against terrorism will be complete only when it ends practices in Chechnya that are at odds with these principles.