DATE=1/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CAUCASUS (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-258107
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian forces are pressing their offensive
against rebel fighters in the breakaway Chechen
republic, with both sides reporting gains
(today/Sunday). In Moscow, Russia's acting president
says the campaign will continue despite criticism from
abroad.
TEXT: Russian forces are pounding the Chechen
capital, Grozny, with almost constant aerial bombing
and artillery strikes.
The Defense Ministry says the bombardment aims to
support ground troops as they try to advance toward
the city center. However, the Chechens say they have
managed to halt the Russian offensive in Grozny.
Heavy fighting is also reported near several strategic
villages in the Caucasus mountains south of the
capital.
The Russians are trying to close off a highway which
runs through a mountain gorge to the neighboring
republic of Georgia.
Meanwhile there are conflicting reports about
casualties among the Russian troops. Some Russian
soldiers have told reporters that Chechen ambushes -
especially at night -- have decimated their units.
But military commanders insist that casualties have
been kept to a minimum.
Independently verifying deaths and injuries s
difficult, because access to the war zone is strictly
limited.
The casualty issue is a sensitive one for political
reasons, with a presidential election due to be held
in just over two months.
But the leading candidate for that election says the
Chechen campaign is going according to plan.
In an interview (Saturday on Russian television),
Acting President Vladimir Putin admits that mistakes
have been made. But he insists, all of Chechnya
eventually will be under Russian control. (Signed)
NEB/WG/WTW
16-Jan-2000 05:40 AM EDT (16-Jan-2000 1040 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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