RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: VICE PRESIDENT ZELENKHAN YANDERBIEV

(24 Dec 1994) Russian/nat

The vice president of Chechnya, Zelenkhan Yanderbiev - in an exclusive interview with APTV - has claimed some successes against Russian forces attacking the Chechen capital Grozny.

Yanderbiev, speaking to APTV from a bunker underneath the presidential palace, says Chechen soldiers have succeeded in driving back the Russians in some areas.

Much of Grozny's centre has been wrecked by Russian bombs. Surprisingly the Presidential palace is largely untouched, despite being targeted several times.

Most civilians have fled the capital, leaving the army and militia forces waiting for a possible Russian move into the city.

Among those remaining is Vice President Zelenkhan Yanderbiev, who is sitting out the near-siege in a bunker under the palace.

He paints a grim picture of the situation, but says captured Russians are being treated well.

SOUNDBITE:
(Translation from Russian)
"During the night the fighting continued on all fronts, our forces experienced fierce opposition from Russian forces and in several places forced them back. At night, massed bombing continued over Grozny, there were many victims among the civilian population, whole families were wiped out in their homes. Not a single prisoner of war has been shot, we are continuing to uphold our responsibilities regarding international conventions"
SUPER CAPTION: Zelenkhan Yanderbiev, Vice President of Chechnya

The overnight bombing destroyed several more buildings, including the city's main toy shop.

The seemingly indiscriminate attacks contradict Moscow's claim that its jets aren't targeting civilians.

Russian troops seem to be closer to surrounding the city, but Chechen resistance has been stubborn.

Grozny is now without water or electricity.

With civilian casualties mounting international and Russian criticism of the assault is growing.

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