| eng.kavkaz.memo.ru
Caucasian Knot 18/8/2004 People flee from Grozny Locals living in the town of Grozny are fleeing from the republican capital and leaving for other districts of the republic. Many of them take their families out of Grozny being afraid that rebels may become more active and large-scale military operations may begin in the town. These fears are caused by circulating rumors that Maskhadov and Basayev's groups are going to occupy Grozny and some other large settlements in the republic on the eve of the polling day in the Chechen presidential election. Chechen law enforcers believe these panic rumors are being spread by rebels and their accomplices in order to destabilize the situation in the republic before and during the election of the Chechen president. However authorities' assurances that the situation is under full control and no grounds for fears exist do not influence the people's spirits. Author: Sultan Abubakarov, CK correspondent Source: Caucasian Knot Thursday, August 19, 2004. Page 3. Alkhanov Criticizes Raids in Chechnya The Associated Press VLADIKAVKAZ -- Chechnya's Kremlin-backed presidential candidate, Alu Alkhanov, criticized mop-up operations in the republic Wednesday in an apparent attempt to rally support at a meeting with members of Moscow's Chechen community. "I'm categorically against security and law enforcement agencies' working in masks," said Alkhanov, the former Chechen interior minister. "A man serving the law and protecting his people mustn't cover his face. It's criminals who are supposed to cover their faces." Alkhanov also said he would not oppose talks with rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov, but only if he abandons resistance. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov visited the republic on Wednesday to discuss tightening security ahead of the Aug. 29 presidential election. Ivanov met with leaders of the Kremlin- supported Chechen administration and military officials. |