Military

DATE=7/6/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/BLASTS (L-O)

NUMBER=2-305110

BYLINE=LISA MCADAMS

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// UPDATE INTRO CASUALTY FIGURES AS WARRANTED. /////

INTRO: City health officials say two more victims of Saturday's double suicide bombing at a Moscow rock festival have died overnight, bringing the death toll to at least 15, including the two female bombers. V-O-A's Lisa McAdams in Moscow reports Russian officials have vowed to increase security in the capital and bring the perpetrators to justice.

TEXT: Security has been stepped up at hospitals in Moscow where another 48 victims remain under care, most with shrapnel wounds caused by the detonation of the explosives-laden belts the women bombers wore.

There is still no claim of responsibility nearly 24 hours after the blasts, which occurred at the crowded entry gate to the popular rock festival held once a year at an airfield in northwest Moscow.

Russian officials say they suspect Chechen separatist rebels were behind the attack, in a bid to disrupt planned presidential and parliamentary elections in the breakaway republic later this year. But Chechen rebel leaders deny involvement.

Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlof has promised increased security measures in the capital city of 10-million people and urged citizens to exercise patience and understanding amid the new measures. Mr. Gryzlof

also vowed that those responsible for Saturday's bombings would be brought to justice.

Officials say the death toll could have been far worse had the suicide bombers actually been able to gain entry to the concert, attended by an estimated 40-thousand people. Instead, they were turned back at the gate by police, who reportedly found their behavior suspicious. Moments later, they detonated their explosives amid the crowd at the front gates, again bringing the fear of Russia's ongoing conflict in Chechnya home to Moscow.

If the Chechen rebel connection is confirmed, Saturdays' blasts would be the worst such violence to hit Moscow since last October, when at least 129 hostages and 41 Chechen separatist rebels died in the Dubrovka theater siege. The hostage-takers included women with explosives and detonators strapped to their bodies.

Separatists have stepped up attacks in Chechnya since the Kremlin held a constitutional referendum in March that confirmed republic as a part of Russia. Nearly 90 people have been killed in those attacks. Amid the bloodshed, Russian officials maintain the Chechen peace process will not be derailed.

Saturday's attack was widely condemned around the world. Meanwhile, Russian radio reported a memorial service for those killed in the latest violence would be held in Moscow's Christ-the-Savior Cathedral. (SIGNED)

NEB/LAM/ALW/RAE