Kirsan Speaks - Again (Ad Nauseum)

I just cannot go to bed until I report the latest from The Fearless Leader of the Chess World. Yes, the one, the only, the incredibly (fill in your own adjectives here) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, President of FIDE, has once again opened mouth and inserted foot! I did not think it was possible, but it's a miracle! Kirsan yet again makes an absolute doofus of himself and, like the Emperor in his new clothes, doesn't know it! Here's the latest from Chessbase (also reported at Susan Polgar's blog and Chessdom.com): FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DES ECHECS Recognized by the International Olympic Committee 9 Syngrou Ave., 11743 Athens, Greece Tel: (+30) 2109212047, Fax: (+30) 2109212859, Email: office@fide.comwww.fide.com Elista, 21 August 2008 Letter by FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov to Mr. M. Saakashvili, President of the 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. [Notice, he makes no mention whatsoever of the women's letter of August 12, 2008 - now he's blaming everything on the Georgian Chess Federation instead of the Georgian women chessplayers]. 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. [This is all true - shows the real impact, doesn't it, of the Georgian chess players' absence from what is fast becoming a farce of a Women's World Chess Championship]. 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. [Yeah, right - how about Elista, Kirsan? You've got a vacant chess palace just sitting there begging to be used]. 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. Gens Una Sumus Kirsan Ilyumzhinov President

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Dear Fearless Leader, you've addressed your letter to the WRONG DUDE. Just what the hell do you think the President of the Georgian Republic can do in the face of Russian tanks and troops dug in all around his country? Infrastructure destroyed, roads blockaded and mined -- you should be petitioning Miniputin - he's the guy shooting off the guns and bombs, after all.

Oh, I have an idea. Kirsan, why don't you fly your private jet into Georgia and pick up the Georgian chessplayers and cohorts, and fly them to Nalchik, personally guaranteeing their safety and providing body guards for the entire party. I mean, come on, you're the one who's been spouting off about "we're all one big family" - so be a man and do the right thing. Politics has nothing to do with it, darling! As a man of honor, we expect no less of you.