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DATE=12/1/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L)
NUMBER=2-256705
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Russia's Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev says 
Russian forces might need up to three more months to 
complete their military campaign in Chechnya.  Moscow 
Correspondent Eve Conant reports Russian military 
officials admit Chechen fighters have launched a 
series of counter attacks, but they say the rebels 
will not succeed in defeating Russian forces. 
TEXT:  Defense Minister Sergeyev admits Chechen 
militants are carrying out a series of counter attacks 
against federal troops in several villages as well as 
in the outskirts of Gudermes, the first major city 
occupied by Russian troops.  But Mr. Sergeyev says 
federal forces will not be stopped by Chechen 
fighters. 
  ///  SERGEYEV ACT ONE - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER  ///
He says -- the situation is getting worse for the 
Chechens.  He calls that -- a logical result of our 
operation which I think will continue for another one, 
two, or three months.
Predictions on how long the campaign will last have 
varied.  Some generals have said the offensive could 
be over by New Year's Day, while other officials have 
said the campaign could continue for up to three-
years.
The campaign is in its fourth month, and Russian 
forces are clearly encountering increased resistance 
from Chechen fighters as they try to encircle the 
capital, Grozny, and other strategic villages.  But 
Mr. Sergeyev says his forces will capture the town of 
Argun, which guards the eastern entrance to Grozny. 
  ///  SERGEYEV ACT TWO - IN RUSSIAN - FADE UNDER  ///
He says -- Argun has been blocked, and over the next 
two or three days we will liberate the town.  He says 
-- more of the population of Chechnya is helping us to 
eliminate the fighters.
Russian news agencies report residents of Argun have 
asked federal troops to stop shelling their town, 
saying all Chechen fighters have left.  Refugees 
fleeing the region to neighboring republics say 
Russian troops are storming villages near the capital, 
killing and wounding civilians.   (SIGNED)
NEB/EC/JWH/RAE
01-Dec-1999 08:31 AM EDT (01-Dec-1999 1331 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.