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DATE=12/9/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L)
NUMBER=2-256997
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Russian forces say they have taken control of 
the Chechen city, Urus-Martan, 20 kilometers southwest 
of the capital, Grozny, but are still bombarding rebel 
fighters in the town. V-O-A Moscow correspondent Eve 
Conant reports that Russian forces say their next 
target is Shali, another town outside the capital.
TEXT:  Russia's military says it controls the city of 
Urus-Martan after weeks of fighting with Chechen 
militants.  Military sources say they are still 
bombarding parts of the town with bombs and mortars, 
although Chechen commanders said their fighters had 
already pulled out by Wednesday.
The Russian military says its next task is to seize 
the town of Shali, one of the last remaining 
separatist-held towns apart from the capital, Grozny. 
Russian troops say they have already captured two 
bridges that link Shali to the capital.
Russian Commander Yuri Em, speaking to reporters 
outside Shali, said residents in nearby villages were 
coming out to speak to Russian forces.
            /// Act Em in Russian in full and fade 
under ///
"We are in contact with village leaders," he said. 
"And there is practically no fire coming from the 
villages."
A Russian general reiterated Thursday that federal 
forces would not storm Grozny, but that troops are 
tightening their grip around the capital.  The Itar-
Tass news agency reported helicopter gunships were 
firing on targets several kilometers away from the 
Grozny airport.
Russian officials continue to reject criticism of an 
ultimatum warning people in Grozny to leave by 
Saturday or risk death.  The military claims the 
warning was directed at militants, not civilians. 
Both the European Union and NATO condemned the 
Chechnya campaign on Thursday.  But Russia vows to 
complete what it describes as its "anti-terrorist" 
operation in Chechnya despite Western pressure. 
(Signed)
NEB/EC/GE/ENE/JP
09-Dec-1999 10:48 AM EDT (09-Dec-1999 1548 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.