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DATE=9/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-H-C-R / CHECHEN REFUGEES (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254399
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  The United Nations refugee agency, U-N-H-C-R, 
reports that around 50-thousand people from Chechnya 
have fled to the neighboring republic of Ingushetia 
since Russian planes started bombing Chechen targets 
this past weekend.  Lisa Schlein in Geneva reports the 
agency says it has been told by Ingushet authorities 
that the number of refugees fleeing from the conflict 
in Chechnya is climbing rapidly.
TEXT:  The U-N refugee agency reports that most of the 
refugees are fleeing from the Chechen capital, Grozny, 
or surrounding villages.
The agency says most of the refugees are finding 
shelter with family or acquaintances in Ingushetia.  
But, it says local people may soon run out of room to 
house the refugees if the numbers keep rising.  
U-N-H-C-R Spokesman Kris Janowski says the 50-thousand 
refugees estimated to be in Ingushetia include people 
from both Dagestan and Chechnya.  But, he says the 
main concern now is for the Chechens.
            /// JANOWSKI ACT ///
      The people who have fled from Dagestan actually 
      are slowly trickling back because there's  no 
      military activity in there.  We don't have any 
      presence in the Caucasus, neither have any other 
      international agencies because of the threat of 
      kidnapping.  So, we've had no presence there 
      since Vincent Cochetel was kidnapped. 
            /// END ACT ///
Vincent Cochetel headed U-N Refugee operations in 
Chechnya during the height of the Russian-Chechnya war 
last year.  He was kidnapped and held hostage by 
unknown rebels for many months before finally being 
released. 
Mr. Janowski says U-N aid workers make day trips to 
Ingushetia to provide whatever limited assistance they 
can to the refugees.  But, he says the aid workers 
leave the area before nightfall because of the 
dangers. 
Ingushetia has appealed to the United Nations for 
assistance.  Mr. Janowski says the U-N Refugee Agency 
is in contact with Russian authorities about starting 
an operation in Ingushetia.  He says the United 
Nations needs Russia's approval to get involved.  He 
adds that if the fighting in Chechnya continues, there 
will be a huge need for international assistance in 
the Caucuses.  (Signed)
NEB/LS/JWH/JP
28-Sep-1999 09:26 AM EDT (28-Sep-1999 1326 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.