DATE=1/9/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA - CHECHNYA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-257905
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russia has stopped its air and artillery
barrage against Grozny, capital of
the breakaway Chechen republic. But the Chechens say
fighting does go on...amid speculation about what will
come next. Bill Gasperini has more.
TEXT: Grozny is reported to be mostly quiet on the
second day of a unilateral cease-fire by the Russians.
Russian commanders say they halted the fierce air and
artillery bombardment because of Moslem and Orthodox
Christian holidays this weekend.
But a Chechen spokesman told Russian radio that
attacks on Grozny do continue...
and that the cease-fire is a way for Russia to justify
its failure to seize the city.
Russia's offensive against Grozny has stalled after
weeks of heavy fighting, and some analysts believe the
current pause is to help troops regroup.
Two top Russian field commanders were replaced on
Friday in a sign that Moscow is upset about the
failure to take Grozny after many predictions the
city would soon fall.
But Acting President Vladimir Putin disputes this,
saying the replacements were routine.
There's little doubt, however, that things have not
been going well for the Russians in the last two
weeks.
Many soldiers have said privately their units have
been taking heavy casualties, far more than are
acknowledged publicly.
It's difficult to confirm casualty figures because
Russia sharply restricts access to the front lines.
Some observers predict that Mr. Putin will soon
announce more changes as a way to demonstrate control
over the situation.
The acting leader's popularity is due mostly to the
perceived success in the Chechen war, and presidential
elections are due to be held in March. (Signed)
NEB/BG/PLM
09-Jan-2000 06:05 AM EDT (09-Jan-2000 1105 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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