As it was promised in the advertising of Chechen Times the other day, Chechen Times published an interview with Akhmed Zakayev's close friend and companion, Zakhar Abukhanov, where he accuses his ex-friend of betrayal and his attempts to mastermind terrorist acts and murders of Boris Berezovsky's competitors on the European soil, as well as of the plans to remove Berezovsky himself.
Zakhar Abukhanov claims that Zakayev contacted him with a proposal to kill Boris Berezovsky, who now has a stringent control over all Zakayev's actions and financially supports the former Chechen Foreign Minister, his family and his circle of the members of the London criminal group.
When asked about the disagreement with Zakayev, Abukhanov explained how it all started.
"Zakayev and I were friends throughout many years," Abukhanov said. "But even though throughout all years of friendship I was genuinely taking part in solving all of his vital problems, as a friend is supposed to do, even though I was straightforward and honest before him, and helping him in all of his affairs, Zakayev has acted guilefully, to put it mildly. He merely betrayed me."
Zakhar Abukhanov says that he was not the only one who was betrayed:
"I wasn't the only one stabbed in the back, but many Zakayev's other friends who still keep in touch with him and consider him a friend are just waiting for their turn to come. If Zakayev hasn't sold them out yet, he will surely do it later. He'll do it for sure.
"It all started out with an ordinary thing: I started getting in Zakayev's way as a business companion. After he left Chechnya under the pretext of being wounded (he actually hurt is leg in a car accident) and arrived to Georgia, Zakayev started actively seeking contact with Boris Berezovsky. And I was the one directly in touch with him and we had pretty good relations.
"Zakayev did not make it a secret that he needed a contact with Berezovsky in order to ‘normalize his financial situation'.
"Soon after I introduced him to Berezovsky, Zakayev found my presence burdensome since he strongly desired to become Berezovsky's ‘sole client' among the Chechens."
Akhmed Zakayev's former friend and companion is convinced that Zakayev is pushed by his own mercantile interests. He points out:
"Zakayev wanted to get all of Mr. Berezovsky's interests on Chechnya concentrated on him alone. He would not make it a secret that it first of all has to do with the money that he could get from Berezovsky by putting his interests into practice. This is how it all started."
When asked by the editorial staff to explain the well-known story with the ‘nuclear briefcase', which he allegedly wanted to sell to Boris Berezovsky, Zakhar Abukhanov related the following:
"Yes, the story with the ‘nuclear briefcase' is partially true. I was really offered the ‘commercial project', which, as I'm really sure today, was initiated through the proxies by Berezovsky himself. I was given the role of a mediator, who was supposed to get Berezovsky ‘interested' in the ‘nuclear briefcase'. And he certainly got ‘interested'.
"During the contacts with Berezovsky's representatives we were not talking about the ‘briefcase' alone, but about yet another ‘dangerous item' as well. After I met the conditions and brought the video with the object discussed, Berezovsky all of a sudden refused all of the contacts and lied low.
"Instead of himself, he sent Zakayev to Paris, where we had a meeting. Zakayev told me that Berezovsky had turned me in to the British and American law enforcement.
"Prior to that I had a phone call from Berezovsky's representative who told me that this subject was no longer of interest. After that I started to understand that Berezovsky was up to some kind of other scam, where I was assigned the role of a scapegoat.
"I think that the ‘nuclear briefcase' and the ‘dangerous item' really do exist, and he himself should be asked this question, because I'm not sure who actually has it all in possession.
"I don't rule out that this entire company may launch a provocation in Europe, as soon as they need to, with their ‘nuclear briefcase' or whatever else, and will blame it on ‘Chechen terrorists'. Especially when now Zakayev is trying to do his best to demonize the Mujahideen and mold his own image as the only Chechen democrat, whom the West is supposed to support in order to counteract the ‘fundamentalists' headed by Dokka Umarov (Commander-In-Chief of the Caucasus Emirate - KC). This is why Berezovsky is supporting Zakayev and his accomplices.
"I would like to mention that when I was telling Zakayev about my plans and making hints about a good profit, he would not react quite adequately. Akhmed apparently did not like the fact that the ‘project' could provide me with descent financial resources.
"So, Zakayev announced that I was ‘wanted' and stated that Berezovsky did everything correctly, since he ‘had no choice'.
"Later on it turned out that Akhmed was the one who stirred it all up. He has enough of the artistry. (Akhmed Zakayev majored in Theatrical Performance and Acting during the Soviets in college - KC). His talent to lie without blushing is well-known. I'm not going to bring up the facts and details, though I have more than enough of them, including the lists of the persons who were supposed to be removed, which Zakayev handed to me on behalf of Berezovsky. Also there are other ‘interesting' cases by Zakayev himself, which will be publicized in their proper time.
"So this is what I would like to say to the people who today are under Zakayev's ‘patronage': they may be making a grave blunder. A cozy European prison awaits Zakayev, and his circle is about to get locked up along with their ‘boss'.
"To be honest with you, to me Zakayev's behavior seemed unexpected and the situation caught me by surprise. Only after that I started to understand that for Akhmed friendship is a way to use people in his own interests.
"But there are things for which one has to answer. Sure, I called Zakayev to account and demanded explanations, and in response he started avoiding me.
"Back at that time I had no sufficient funds available to finally clear this case. Back then I could only warn Zakayev and his boss Berezovsky that I was not going to just let it all go."
Chechen Times also asked to tell the stories with the assassination attempt on Zakayev in London, when bottles with incendiary mixtures were thrown on the balcony of his apartment and the apartment of Litvinenko (former KGB/FSB agent, who was living as a defector in London and got assassinated by Russians - KC).
Zakhar Abukhanov explained:
"I made several forewarning attempts, which Zakayev tried to blame on the Russian secret services, saying that it was an assassination attempt.
"Of course, had he told the truth that it was a lesson from his friend, whom he personally had betrayed, the people would have turned away from him because he had made up that story with the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service, former KGB - KC). Some believed in it, and I was laughing.
"After that incident I returned to France, where I found out about Berezovsky's interview published in the British media, where he was lying, just as Zakayev was, calling me a ‘terrorist' and a ‘seller of dangerous nuclear weapons'.
"Nonetheless B.A.B. (Boris A. Berezovsky) was quiet about other aspects of the business that we had together. I still have indisputable proofs that can bring lots of trouble to Zakayev and to Berezovsky too."
Chechen Times asked Zakhar Abukhanov about the rumors around the story with the "ordered assassination" of Roman Abramovich, which was allegedly ordered by Berezovsky through Zakayev.
Question by Chechen Times: "Along with it there was a report that Zakayev and Berezovsky contacted you about the 'order' [to assassinate] certain activists. The names of Abramovich and Demian Kudryavtsev were mentioned. Later on among the Chechen diaspora in France there was hearsay that Zakayev tried to organize some terrorist act in PACE through some persons: whether it was an assassination, or an explosion, but something went wrong. Which motives, do you think, Zakayev is moved by?"
Answer given by Z. Abukhanov: "Yes, really, Berezovsky wanted to physically remove not only Governor of Chukotka Roman Abramovich, but a number of other Russian businessmen as well, -- Berezovsky's rivals who visit Europe often. For these purposes he was looking a responsible perpetrator through Zakayev, so that everything could be blamed on Chechens.
"I was telling Zakayev that you cannot assassinate people in Europe because it would create problems for Chechens. If there is a need to ‘settle the score' with somebody, it would be much easier and cheaper done in Russia. Everybody knows that. But both Zakayev and Berezovsky needed turmoil in Europe, so that the Chechens would be the cause of the turmoil.
"I have a proof to back my words up. I made an audio recording of my conversation with Zakayev, which I'm willing to present in any court.
"Let me repeat once again. Zakayev's goal is to discredit all who are fighting against the Russian troops at home, and make himself the main and the only Chechen democrat, whom the West could count on. This is why he and his boss wanted (and they do want it even stronger today) to mastermind a provocation in Europe and blame it all on the Mujahideen.
"I had another question come up: what do Roman Abramovich and other names have to do with it, since they have no direct connection to the war against Chechnya?
"By the way, as far as I know, no one has ever cancelled that ‘order', and the only reason it was not carried out is because some events that have happened. Berezovsky was unable to remove his rival, and quite possibly, was afraid of being ‘exposed' in this case, so he decided to settle the score with Abramovich through court.
"At the present moment I am in the process of active negotiations with the men of R. Abramovich concerning the funding of my court expenses in England. I am going to file a claim with the London Court, the Court will be interested in hearing me out as well in publicizing certain facts, including the ones concerning the large-scale provocation in Europe, which will expose B.Berezovsky and his subordinate Zakayev once and for all. Maybe that's when some of our fellow countrymen living in Europe will understand that these two men are just the same sworn enemies of the Chechen people as Putin and Kadyrov are."
Zakhar Abukhanov has also told about the relations between Zakayev and Berezovsky and confirmed the information that Zakayev was contacting Abukhanov with the proposal to get Berezovsky removed.
A.Abukhanov: "Zakayev really contacted me with the proposal to find a way to kill Berezovsky. He feared that at some point in time, whenever it would be convenient, B.A.B could just dispose of Akhmed like a worn-out tool. This is their world, their life, their existence, their constant expectation of mutual baseness. Zakayev is fully mired in that world of theirs.
"Everybody knows that Zakayev is 100% dependent on Berezovsky and does not even belong to his own self, as well as the fact that Zakayev coordinates all of his actions and statements with Berezovsky and only after his permission is granted, he takes his actions and makes his political speeches. Zakayev never makes a single step without the approval from Berezovsky, and he never has since he's been to London.
"Akhmed is servicing Berezovsky's political interests, he is his personal puppet. And this is the only and the last role in the life of actor Zakayev. Berezovsky provides him with financial well-being and political patronage in the West.
"Zakayev is only interested in getting richer by any means available, this is why he is carrying out any orders of his boss, B.A.B., even as far as provocations and false testimonies.
"Sure, Berezovsky has materials that would discredit Akhmed when exposed. B.A.B. is famous for his talent to gather not only ‘black dossiers' on his subordinates, but for betraying them as well, as soon as the person is no longer needed or gets out of his control. So Zakayev does have something to be worried about.
"But Berezovsky should be worried too. Zakayev, as a person who has access to Berezovsky, may take an advantage of this situation. Everybody knows that Zakayev is now in the process of negotiating with Kadyrov and Russian FSB. Berezovsky knows about that. I'm sure that Zakayev came up with some kind of story as to why he is conducting these negotiations, and he probably even got permission from him to do these negotiations.
"To me and to any person who knows Zakayev it is clear that he is seeking forgiveness from the FSB and from Kadyrov, because he fears for his life (especially after Litvinenko got killed), and if he helps them remove Berezovsky, then Moscow will forgive him and even promote him in the status of a traitor, which is good for the FSB, they will get a puppet with the image of a democrat. So far for Russians Zakayev is totally worthless. But Berezovsky is Putin's personal enemy. This is why they could use Zakayev, who is now openly offering himself to Kadyrov, as you can see today."
"Do you think Zakayev could go for a provocation in Europe?" Chechen Times asks.
"If it brings a benefit to Berezovsky or to himself, then Zakayev will surely put not only his friends in the spot, but all of the Chechens in Europe too," answers Zakayev's ex-friend and ex-companion, then he says:
"Let me quote another example. There was a time when A.Zakayev subjected some of our correspondence to public discussion. Rather, he sent my personal letter that I faxed to him to his subordinates. As a result, the letter ended up in the hands of French security services. I explained what it was, after which the case was closed.
"After some time Zakayev started spreading rumors about some scheme that Russian secret services allegedly plotted against him. So to say, if you don't praise yourself, no one else will do it for you.
"Calumnies, lies, rumors, and sordidness - this is what Zakayev's special style is. That style of his was confirmed once again after Dokka Umarov proclaimed the Caucasus Emirate. He's lied nineteen to the dozen about a plot with the FSB, and built the whole scam with his ‘premiership' on this lie, so that he could show his worth to B.A.B., and now he is practicing imaginary politics, or rather is continuing with his usual lies.
"Any means to an end," this is what Zakayev thinks, and so do those who voluntarily gather around him and assent to his lies. They know full well that Zakayev's words and deeds are all one big lie. They benefit from it because this is the way they solve some of their minor problems of survival."
According to Zakhar Abukhanov, ‘Zakayev's hysterical acts' after the Caucasus Emirate was proclaimed have something to do with the fact that Zakayev was lying to Berezovsky all of that time, claiming that he had a total control of all actions of Commander-In-Chief Dokka Umarov.
Z. Abukhanov: "Zakayev's treacherous behavior is obvious and clear. All of that time he's been lying to Berezovsky, claiming that he had Dokka Umarov under control and that nobody will be making any decision without his, Zakayev's, participation. Berezovsky believed him and was providing funds to Zakayev, which the latter was extorting from him under any pretext available, in order to allegedly ‘provide loyalty' among the Mujahideen. And today I'm pretty sure he's begging Berezovsky to fund his ‘government' and to bribe one ‘commander' or another so that they could get out of their subordination to Dokka Umarov.
"Zakayev has been lying all of that time, and he merely got exposed. This is why his hysterics are understandable. He has to wiggle out and prove that he is still needed by Berezovsky as well as by British special secret services, who are keeping him there not out of merciful considerations. Zakayev has to make up for his living and his security. This is why he's been lying so desperately and making up all kinds of stories about the Caucasus Emirate and Dokka Umarov and telling fairytales about his militarized units in Chechnya.
"Everything is clear and obvious about him, but some actions and statements made by so-called Chechen politicians, who follow Berezovsky's puppet and who allegedly support independence of Ichkeria, are rather confounding.
"It is absolutely clear that today there is not much of a difference between Kadyrov's men and Zakayev's men. The former ones are fighting against the Mujahideen physically, by using weaponry, and the latter ones are conducting informational warfare by smearing Amir (Commander-In-Chief) of the Caucasus and the Mujahideen fighting on the path of Allah. Though, Zakayev has been doing this for the past 8 years.
"Zakayev & Co. are quite satisfied with this whole lawlessness going on in Chechnya. He is the only democrat standing out against it all. Today he is dreaming of getting hooked up to Kadyrov's men and go on with their policies, just under the protection from the West. There is no difference whatsoever between Zakayev and Kadyrov, except for maybe in their intellectual capabilities, but today it is not much of an advantage. We can see how he's been advertising Kadyrov.
"Back in 2005 I was sending letters to S. Basayev and A.H. Sadulayev personally, where I was warning them that Zakayev could betray them at any moment. I was trying to relate to them that personal interests alone is what moves Akhmed. I even brought the proofs that he is nothing but a puppet in the hands of Berezovsky and that he would betray everyone at the most crucial moment, the same way he did to me. Unfortunately, no reaction had followed from them.
"And today my words have proven to be true."
Department of Monitoring,
Kavkaz Center
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