DATE=11/19/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256366
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian military units are pressing ahead with
their assault in Chechnya, apparently unaffected by
sharp criticism at the European security summit. V-O-
A's Peter Heinlein in Moscow reports Russian officials
are continuing to reject outside mediation.
TEXT: Russia launched more air attacks in Chechnya
Friday as senior government ministers suggested they
would not accept foreign attempts to mediate an end
to the offensive.
Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo told reporters
Russia does not interpret the agreement signed at
the O-S-C-E summit as a permit for foreign
intervention.
/// RUSHAILO ACT - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER ///
He says, "It is humanitarian aid, and an attempt at
mediation. But we don't believe we need it." He said
a political dialogue had already begun, noting that
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met a Chechen Muslim
religious leader a few days ago.
Mr. Rushailo also repeated statements made by Prime
Minister Putin and other officials that federal troops
would not halt their campaign until all Chechen
fighters were destroyed.
As if to underscore that hard line, Russian commanders
have stepped up their military offensive. Chechen
officials were quoted as saying missile attacks on the
capital, Grozny, and on the western town of Urus-
Martan had killed 170 people in the past two days.
The semi-official Interfax news agency, however,
reports 150 rebels were killed in air strikes in and
around the capital. The Interfax dispatch said 60
sorties were flown in the latest 24 hour reporting
period. (Signed)
NEB/PFH/JWH/KL
19-Nov-1999 10:43 AM EDT (19-Nov-1999 1543 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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