DATE=5/20/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA - CHECHNYA ATTACK (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262598
BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Chechen fighters have launched new attacks on
Russian positions in the destroyed capital city of
Grozny amid indications this may be the start of a new
rebel offensive. Bill Gasperini reports from Moscow.
TEXT: Russian military officials say troop positions
came under fire in several locations inside Grozny,
Chechnya's capital.
Rebels attacked Interior Ministry troops in at least
three places, apparently after fighters slipped
through Russian lines.
Army positions were also fired upon in what officials
say may be the start of a rebel counter-offensive
ordered by Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov.
The Russians say Mr. Maskhadov has told his fighters
to step up partisan attacks wherever they can.
The incidents in Grozny were among the most serious
since the Chechens retreated from the capital in
February and Russian troops took control.
In recent weeks the Chechens have carried out almost
daily ambushes against Russian troops, employing
tactics which they used to great effect during the
first Chechen war five years ago.
That conflict ultimately led to a peace agreement and
the withdrawal of Russian forces from Chechnya.
This time however the Russians have taken a much
tougher line, despite the continuing casualties in the
current war, which began last September.
There has been talk of possible negotiations to seek a
political solution.
But newly-inaugurated President Vladimir Putin has
said the only acceptable outcome is for the Chechens
to lay down their arms.
The Chechens respond to that by saying they can
continue a guerrilla-style war indefinitely. (Signed)
NEB/BG/PLM
20-May-2000 05:50 AM EDT (20-May-2000 0950 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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