DATE=5/5/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262029
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian officials say they are moving ahead
with plans to establish direct federal rule in the
breakaway republic of Chechnya. After years of civil
war, the territory has been largely outside of
Moscow's control. Correspondent Eve Conant has this
report from the Russian capital.
TEXT: Officials from Russia's top security body, the
Security Council, say the Kremlin is forging ahead
with a plan to rule the breakaway republic of Chechnya
directly from Moscow.
Russia had done little in recent years to help stem
the growing lawlessness in the region. In 1996, a
two-year civil war in Chechnya was quelled with both
sides agreeing to put aside the issue of independence
for several years. Presidential elections were held
in the republic soon after, but the Kremlin has
recently branded Chechnya's elected president, Aslan
Maskhadov, as a criminal who cannot be considered a
legitimate ruler.
Sergey Ivanov, secretary of the Security Council, says
laying out the terms of direct rule from Moscow would
eliminate the possibility of early elections in the
breakaway republic.
/// Ivanov Act in Russian -- fades under ///
He says, "A presidential decree and draft law, to be
submitted to parliament, on direct federal rule in
Chechnya will be prepared soon."
Security Council Secretary Ivanov said such a move was
necessary until Moscow can find an appropriate leader
for Chechnya.
/// Second Ivanov Act in Russian -- fades under ///
"We have said electing a Chechen leader, whether to
become president or head of the State Council, is not
on the agenda. We need a transitional period."
Mr. Ivanov is quoted as saying, that transitional
period could last several years and it is too early to
speak of what he calls, "the final form of rule over
Chechnya." The announcement Friday was seen as likely
to undermine chances for peace negations with Chechen
leader Maskhadov. (SIGNED)
NEB/EC/GE/KBK
05-May-2000 10:17 AM EDT (05-May-2000 1417 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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