• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

DATE=2/12/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA-CHECHNYA-POLITICIAN (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-259097
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  Russian aircraft have continued bombing 
suspected Chechen positions in the southern 
mountains in Chechnya as troops prepare to launch 
a ground offensive there. Meanwhile in Moscow a 
prominent politician has questioned the policy of 
war in Chechnya. Bill Gasperini reports.
TEXT:  Warplanes have been bombing areas in the 
mountains where as many as 8000 Chechen fighters 
are believed to be based.
Military officials say federal troops now control 
strategic heights along two gorges which cut 
through the rugged terrain.
While tens of thousands of soldiers are preparing 
to move into the area for what the Russians call 
a "final offensive" against the Chechens.
But defense analysts say the fight to seize the 
mountains will be a tough one, with the Chechens 
able to launch hit-and-run attacks against 
Russian positions. 
And now at least one prominent politician is 
openly questioning the Kremlin's strategy in 
Chechnya.
The popular mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzkhkov, 
criticized the use of force to deal with the 
troubled southern region.
Mr. Luzhkov asked whether the military campaign 
can be justified given the losses among soldiers 
and civilians alike.
Mayor Luzhkov is one of the few Russian leaders 
to publicly question the war, which has proved 
popular with the Russian public.
The conflict has also boosted the popularity of 
Acting President Vladimir Putin, considered the 
most likely person to win the presidential 
election next month.
Another prominent politician, former Prime 
Minister Yevgeny Primakov, called on Mr. Putin to 
make his election platform more clear.
Among other things, Mr. Primakov said almost 
nothing is known about what the Acting President 
plans to do with Russia's economy.
Mr. Primakov recently withdrew his own 
presidential candidacy when it became clear there 
was little hope of beating Mr. Putin.
The strongest challenger still in the race is 
Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov, who also asked 
Mr. Putin to clarify where he stands.
In response, Kremlin officials say a think tank 
(study group) is developing a draft program for 
Mr. Putin, which should be made public soon. 
(Signed)
NEB/PT 
12-Feb-2000 20:17 PM EDT (13-Feb-2000 0117 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.