CHECHNYA: GROZNY: RUSSIAN INFANTRY PREPARE TO ATTACK

Russian/Nat

Russian infantry have gathered on the outskirts of the Chechen capital, Grozny, on Tuesday.

They are preparing for a massive attack on the city.

Earlier in the week Russia warned inhabitants to leave the city before December 11 or face the consequences.

Outside Grozny soldiers from a Russian infantry unit prepare for battle.

They have already seen action, fighting against Chechen soldiers on December 3rd and 4th.

Their leader, Lieutenant General Vladimir Bulgakov, says they defeated the Chechens, killing many of them in the process.

SOUND BITE: (Russian)
"We managed to partially destroy and completely occupy the rebel position. We suffered no losses, not even injured. The rebels? We counted about 50 buried here, I don't know how many over there"
SUPER CAPTION: Lieutenant-General Vladimir Bulgakov

All that remains of this Chechen soldier is his identity card.

He was one of the fighters who died in the clash.

The Lieutenant General says those who remain in Grozny after the December 11 deadline must surrender, or they'll suffer the same fate.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"The fate of Grozny? the fate of Grozny depends on the rebels themselves and not on us. They are blocked in, they should give themselves up, they have nowhere to run now."
SUPER CAPTION: Lieutenant-General Vladimir Bulgakov

On Monday U-S President Bill Clinton and leaders of the European Union criticised the Russian ultimatum.

Clinton said Russia would pay a heavy price if it carried out its threat to level Grozny and anyone still living there on Saturday.
You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/ab7788a84ddf27172bf672a88322eedb
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

Видео CHECHNYA: GROZNY: RUSSIAN INFANTRY PREPARE TO ATTACK канала AP Archive