DATE=2/8/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (S)
NUMBER=2-258934
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian forces are continuing their offensive
against Chechen rebels in the southern part of the
breakaway republic, after the Chechen withdrawal from
the capital Grozny. Bill Gasperini in Moscow reports
Russian forces also say they have killed Chechnya's
vice president.
TEXT: Russian troops are searching through the
villages south of Grozny, looking for Chechen rebels
who may be hiding in the area. Troops also are moving
against Chechen fighters in the southern mountains,
attacking at least two key towns there.
Thousands of Chechen fighters are thought to have gone
to the mountains after making a tactical retreat from
Grozny one week ago.
Russian officers say all of the battered city is now
under their control.
Senior commander Viktor Kazantsev also says troops
have killed Chechen Vice President Vaka Arsanov, who
is also a top rebel military leader. However there
has been no independent confirmation of the report.
Meanwhile, some relief supplies have been brought into
Grozny, where soup kitchens have been set up to assist
civilians who survived months of heavy bombardment.
/// REST UNVOICED OPT ///
But a European relief official visiting the
neighboring region says this is not enough, and
urged Russia to allow more access to Chechnya.
(Signed)
NEB/BG/JWH
08-Feb-2000 05:39 AM EDT (08-Feb-2000 1039 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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