Moscow, Russian Federation / Saturday, May 15, 2010
Dear Presidents, Delegates and Federation members,
In certain media, it was reported that the Russian Chess Federation supposedly
“took a decision” to nominate Anatoly Karpov as its representative
for FIDE President. Unfortunately, a “decision” shrouded in clear
deceit and typical of the misrepresentations which we have become accustomed
to the last few weeks, from the troika of Karpov, Bakh and Kasparov.
A meeting was originally for 5.00 p.m. in Mr Dvorkovich’s office, and
it was suddenly changed by Mr Bakh notifying some of the delegates that they
should meet at 4.30 p.m. at the premises of the Russian Chess Federation. The
Chairman of the Russian Chess Federation was not notified at all. A grave insult
to the office of the Chairman and the Russian Chess Federation. This clearly
violates the statutes which determine that all meetings are to be presided over
by the Chairman.
A rough show of hands was called for and an immediate statement released on
this basis. These tactics are reminiscent of the behavior which Karpov and his
team, were so content to exploit, during Soviet times. From my side, I had preferred
to leave the delegates in a neutral position, but such behavior not only infringes
any sense of ethics, but makes this decision completely illegal and contestable,
apart from any other actions that are reserved against persons who knowingly
misled the delegates into taking such action.
Let me make it crystal clear, dear delegates, I will run for FIDE President
once again and I am confident that the delegates will once again put their trust
in our team.
I have the clear support of the majority of FIDE’s member Federations
who have been waiting patiently in the background, for the Russian Chess Federation
to proceed with its nomination. Today’s decision makes a mockery of Karpov
and his team, who believe they are capable of running a future FIDE. His campaign
so far has been based on misrepresentation and false accusations.
Our mission grows stronger to protect the unity, transparency and democracy
that has been created within FIDE these last fifteen years.
Gens una sumus.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE President
