I just received the following letter from FIDE:
The letter from the FIDE President to the President of Georgia
Thursday, 21 August 2008 13:18
Mr. M. Saakashvili
President
Republic of Georgia
Dear Mikhail Nikolozovich! I am addressing my letter to you on behalf of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and millions of aficionados of the wisest game on the planet in respect of the statement of the Georgian Chess Federation regarding participation of Georgia’s representatives in the Women’s World Chess Championship.
Following the decision of the FIDE Presidential Board regarding the said tournament, it is scheduled to be held in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russian Federation, from 28 August to 18 September 2008.
Six Georgian sportswomen – Maia Chiburdanidze, Leila Dzhavahishvili, Sopio Gvetadze, Maia Lomineishvili, Sopiko Khukhashvili, Nino Khurtsidze – received the right of participation, having gone through a most difficult process of selection, or, by a personal invitation, due to personal high rating. Highly esteemed Nona Terentievna Gaprindashvili has been appointed a member of the appeals committee of the tournament. Mr. Evgeni Melikset-Begi – is a member of a arbiters’ board. Thus, it was supposed that the Georgian representation be one of the largest at this most prestigious event in women’s chess. I think that one should not mention the level of authority and respect which is being enjoyed in the world by the Georgian chess school and its representatives, who personify intellect and beauty of Georgia.
Several days ago we all have become witnesses of a horrible humanitarian catastrophe. In my previous statements I have expressed my most sincere condolences to families of the catastrophe’s victims and FIDE’s position on this issue. Unfortunately, we are unable to change the dates and venues of the Championship.
Fully realizing all complexity of the present situation for the Georgian chess players and understanding their dear wish to defend honour of their country at the chess board, I am appealing to you for your kind assistance in providing the sportsmen with conditions for smooth participation in the World Championship. This is especially valuable and urgent during the days of the Olympic Games.
Looking forward to your understanding.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE President
Source: FIDE
This joke is getting worse.
Who doe Kirsan think he is? Marcus Robertski? He thinks just because he is in charge of chess, he can command the president of a country to do his bidding?
Has Kirsan thought that Saakashvili might be receiving advice from the President of the European Checkers Association or even the Kind and Queen of cards?
I hear a delegation from the USA was sent to Georgia and the Americans sent no other than the Old Man from the Monopoly game to unclude the little Scottie dog, the thimble, the battle ship, the top hat, and the shoe. The car, the wheel barrel, and the iron refused to come as they claim solidarity with Russia.
Kirsan should be writing to Putin and asking for written assurances that all chessplayers will be provided with armed escorts and that a perimeter will be put up around the hotel and playing venue. Come to think of it, armed convoys going to and from the airport and/or train station will be needed, too.
Jan Newton
Goddesschess
I can imagine the Georgian Prez sittin’ there at his desk, reading his daily letters, coming across Kirsan’s note, and thinking, “WTF is this? Um, I’ve got a little bit more on my hands than to worry about some board game tournament.”
-Seth Homa
Kirsan is the boss of all bosses. Even GWB would kneel.
Why are there so many nutty chess leaders? Ilymzhinov, Goichberg, etc.
It could be worse.
Sam Sloan could be running things.
Kirsan is a famous Russian peacemaker.
“Mikhail Golubev said…
Kirsan is a famous Russian peacemaker.”
Da Comrade Mikhail! You have corrected these western chess scum valiantly! You honor Russia!
Препятствуйте нам получить совместно и иметь массивнейшего мужчины к мыжским сексуальным отношениям. Я буду Goichberg и вы можете быть Ilymzhinov. Мы будем иметь отношения до тех пор пока одно из нас не принесет вниз утюг curtian. Вы должны иметь огромный пенис мой друг! Я готов когда вы!