DATE=4/21/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-261594
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russia's President-elect Vladimir Putin says
Moscow has been in contact with Chechnya's leader to
exchange peace proposals. Moscow correspondent Eve
Conant reports the Chechen leader says he has ordered
rebels to halt attacks on Russian troops in federally
occupied territory.
TEXT: President-elect Vladimir Putin told reporters
Friday that Russian and Chechen officials had traded
peace proposals a month ago, but that an agreement had
not been reached.
///Act Putin in Russian in full and fade under///
Mr. Putin says, "our conditions include the immediate
release of all hostages being held in Chechnya. The
Chechen leadership must also hand over those people
who are guilty of attacking the neighboring republic
of Dagestan and of bombing homes and other civilian
targets in Russia."
Moscow has blamed Chechen rebels for a series of
apartment bombings last year that killed hundreds and
helped spark public support for the military offensive
in Chechnya. Chechen rebels have denied any
involvement in the blasts.
President-elect Putin added that Chechen leader Aslan
Maskhadov was, in his view, still considered a
criminal.
///Second Act Putin in Russian in full; fade under///
Mr. Putin says, "As far as we are concerned, he is a
criminal. But if he (Mr. Maskhadov) wishes to take
advantage of our amnesty law, he is welcome to."
Chechen leader Maskhadov told a Russian newspaper
Friday that all Chechen fighting units were under
centralized control and that he had suspended military
actions. He also said he had given orders to fighters
to free captured Russian servicemen and other
hostages.
But Moscow insists Mr. Maskhadov does not have control
over rebel forces and Russian military officials say
peace talks cannot be held until the Chechen leader
surrenders.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are continuing to target
what they describe as rebel bases in Chechnya's
southern mountains. Rebel leaders have also reported
fresh fighting in the south. (Signed)
NEB/EC/GE/JO
21-Apr-2000 10:21 AM EDT (21-Apr-2000 1421 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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