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DATE=2/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA - HUMAN RIGHTS (L)
NUMBER=2-259090
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Human rights organizations accuse Russian 
troops with killing dozens of civilians in the 
devastated capital of Chechnya.  The accusations come 
as Russian forces pound suspected Chechen positions in 
the Caucasus mountains.  Bill Gasperini reports from 
Moscow.
TEXT: Human rights groups say the civilians were 
killed as Russian soldiers swept through Grozny 
looking for Chechen fighters.
The New York-based organization Human Rights Watch 
says at least 38 people were shot after the fighters 
pulled out of Grozny almost two weeks ago.
The Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly called 
on  the Russian government to investigate the reports.
The Assembly's chairman, Lord David Russell-Johnston, 
said the reports were "alarming" and must be looked 
into.
But a top Russian general said Human Rights Watch 
based its conclusion on what he called 
"disinformation" spread by the Chechens. 
Speaking in Moscow, Colonel General Valery Manilov 
said there had been no killings or repression directed 
at civilians.
However Russian commanders in the region HAVE said 
troops treat civilians as potential Chechen fighters.
Suspicion runs high after some troop units have been 
attacked by rebels.
Thousands of Chechen fighters pulled out of Grozny in 
what they call a tactical retreat, and most have been 
making their way up into the southern mountains.
Chechen leaders say the war will continue as a 
"guerrilla" operation involving hit-and-run attacks 
against Russian positions.
Meanwhile, Russia is moving men and supplies into the 
mountains in preparation for a major offensive there.
Military officials say this will be the "final phase" 
of the campaign to defeat the Chechens. 
Russian jets have been bombing the area using one and 
a half-ton bombs over the last few days, mostly 
hitting positions near a strategic gorge.
On an election campaign trip to southern Russia, 
Acting President Vladimir Putin said he is "satisfied" 
with the military effort. 
But analysts say it will be extremely difficult for 
the Russians to overcome rebel resistance. (Signed)
NEB/BG/PLM
 
NEB/WTW/ 
12-Feb-2000 06:40 AM EDT (12-Feb-2000 1140 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.