Homeland Security

DATE=12/28/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA (L)

NUMBER=2-297871

BYLINE=REBECCA SANTANA

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The search continues for victims of a bomb attack in the breakaway Russian region of Chechnya that destroyed a Chechen government administration building. V-O-A's Rebecca Santana reports from Moscow at least 40 people are dead and more than a hundred injured.

TEXT: Rescue workers combed through the rubble of the four story building, vowing to find anyone who may be still alive after Friday's bomb attack.

The victims have been taken to hospitals in Grozny, the Chechen capital, where the attack occurred. Many of the more seriously injured have been taken to hospitals in nearby regions or to the Russian capital, Moscow, for treatment.

Friday afternoon, suicide bombers driving two vehicles packed with explosives crashed into the compound where the main Chechen administration building is located.

The explosion left a crater a few meters deep and virtually destroyed the building where officials estimate at least two-hundred people were at work.

Chechen rebels who have been fighting Russian troops for control of the region appear to be responsible for the attack, although there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The rebels view people who work for the pro-Russian administration as traitors and often target government buildings and people who work there.

Russian officials blamed the attack on what they described as terrorists following orders from Chechen leader Aslan Maskhadov. But in London, a spokesman for Mr. Maskhadov, Akhmed Zakayev, said Mr. Maskhadov had no connection with the deadly attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to Chechen leader Akhmad Kadyrov and said he was deeply shaken by the attack.

The attack by the Chechen rebels on one of the most heavily guarded buildings in Grozny is in direct contradiction to President Putin's frequent statements that the Chechen rebels have been beaten.

In October, Chechen rebels took a theater full of people hostage in Moscow and threatened to blow up the building if Russian forces did not pull out of Chechnya.

The rebels have also shot down a number of helicopters in Chechnya and in October blew up a police station in Grozny, killing 25 people.

After Friday's attack, Russian leaders said they were still planning to go ahead with presidential elections and a constitutional referendum scheduled for March in Chechnya.

The elections and referendum are part of plans by President Putin to turn control of the region over to local Chechens. (Signed)

NEB/RS/ALW/RH