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DATE=11/6/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L-O)
NUMBER=2-255890
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russia's defense minister and the Kremlin 
chief of staff say there is no disagreement 
between politicians and the defense ministry over 
the military campaign in Chechnya. A joint 
statement refuted allegations made in a major 
newspaper as the bloody offensive continues. Bill 
Gasperini has more from Moscow
TEXT: The statement firmly denies any split 
exists between Russia's military brass and the 
Kremlin over how far to push the military 
campaign against Chechnya.
Issued by Russia's defense minister and the 
Kremlin chief of staff, the statement says a 
report in the "Moskovsky Komsomolets" newspaper 
is full of what it calls "lies and distortion."
The paper says the Kremlin is ready to enter a 
dialogue with Chechen leaders to end the war 
because the ongoing conflict is harming Russia's 
image.
Military officers have said they do not want 
interference from politicians on how to conduct 
the war.  They claim such interference was the 
reason Russia lost the last conflict with 
Chechnya, several years ago.
But -- with public opinion largely in favor of 
what Moscow calls its "crackdown against 
terrorism" -- few political figures have spoken 
out against the military campaign.
This is not the case in the international 
community, with foreign governments making their 
views known to Russian leaders.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign 
Secretary Robin Cook have both expressed concern 
about civilian casualties.
They echoed similar statements made recently by 
President Clinton and Secretary of State 
Madeleine Albright.
Meanwhile, refugees continue fleeing out of 
Chechnya after being trapped for almost two weeks 
by Russian troops who had sealed the border.
Many of those coming out are wounded.  They tell 
of massive bombing and artillery strikes 
throughout the embattled republic.
Some say villages have become virtual ghost 
towns, while Russian troops have surrounded 
Chechnya's two main cities.
The defense ministry denies that it targets 
civilians.  But the growing number of refugee 
casualties is a clear indication the assault 
continues, virtually unchecked. (Signed)
Neb/bg/dw
06-Nov-1999 06:41 AM EDT (06-Nov-1999 1141 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.