Movladi Udugov: ''Time is coming to launch military operations against Russian occupants''

Exclusive interview with the Director of Information-Analytical Service of the Caucasus Emirate, Movladi Udugov. The interview was conducted by Levan Chitanava from Georgian Information Agency Pirweli.

Q: Russian side brought more accusations against Georgia and stated that Georgia maintains 'militants' to get across to the North Caucasus. Why Russia needs to make such sort of statements?

M.Udugov: Nothing new is in the statements: Russia has been issuing such sort of statements since 1999. That is just another propaganda, which aims to exert political pressure on Georgia. Unfortunately, Georgia will be unable to endure that pressure: instead of providing real assistance to the enemy's enemy, Georgia's authorities actually ignore any serious attempt of Mujahideen to use "Georgian rear", and despite the fact that Russia audaciously has taken over Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Q: Most experts say that there are no strong political figures in the North Caucasus. What is the current situation on the ground in North Caucasus?

M.Udugov: The said statements do not correspond with the reality. These announcements are issued by Moscow, which talks about undergoing struggle between criminals and clans against each other in the North Caucasus. As far as the situation of the Caucasus Emirate's provinces is concerned, it is developing contrarily to Moscow's wish. Jihad has not been weakened. In fact it has become stronger. Military activities of Mujahideen are expanding and their forces are multiplied. 

Q: Caucasus Mujahideen took the responsibility for the explosion of "Nevix Express" on November 27. What can you tell about these Mujahideen group and did they act on the orders of Dokka Umarov?

M.Udugov: Caucasus Mujahideen are not a "group", but are the armed forces of the Caucasus Emirate. The armed forces have quite a lot of means to wage guerilla warfare on the territory of the Caucasus Emirate, as well as against Russian residents. Mujahideen follow Umarov's orders by launching militant operations. As for the beginning of extensive military operations against Russian occupants, the time for them is not far away.

Q: A disseminated by Mujahideen statement says that "Dissidence and guerilla warfare will continue on the Russian soil, until Russian occupants will not stop killing decent Muslims for their religious beliefs". The statement also reports that Mujahideen will try to avoid civilian casualties .What's your take on that? Such guerilla warfare is usually accompanied by civilian casualties.

M.Udugov: You'd rather address this question to the armed forces of the Caucasus Emirate. I can only remind you that Mujahideen act according to Sharia, which is determined with Koran's postulate -"fight against them as they fight against you -but do not overact". 

Q: Do you believe this way of fighting Russia will be productive? Will Kremlin compromise?

M.Udugov: Sabotage is one of the methods of partisan war. As far as the compromise is concerned, I do not know if the leadership of the Caucasus Emirate will accept Russia's compromise. Jihad wants completely expel Russian occupants from the territory of the Caucasus. Although, statement of Mujahideen indicate that the military operations against Russia will change if Russian occupants stop killing and abducting ordinary Muslims on religious grounds.

Q: The new television - "The First Caucasus Channel" is about to launch in Georgia. But some members of the opposition denounce this project saying that "the First Caucasus Channel" will further strain the relationships with Russia. What's your view regarding the TV channel and are you going to cooperate with it in the future?

M.Udugov: Russia took over regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, what kind of further straining of relationships are you talking about?! What should happen to wake Georgian politicians so they will start to act promptly and decisively?! As far the foundation of that channel it is but the first and small step, which should have been taken by Georgia 10 years ago. However, this step will have no positive affect if it broadcasts propaganda and does not portray the real situation in the Caucasus. We always appreciate cooperation on the issues related to the liberation Caucasus from Russia. 

Q: Using your estimates, how did you find 2009 for the Caucasus?

M.Udugov: Current year (year 1430 by Muslim calendar) was consequential for Muslims and the Caucasus Emirate's Mujahideen because in 2009 a psychological victory has been won.

Q: What we should expect in 2010?

M.Udugov: It will be as Allah wishes it to be! It is our obligation to do our outmost to disgorge Russian occupants from the territory of the Caucasus.