UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Thursday, August 22. 1996
13A
Russians block escape routes in Grozny
KNIGHT-RIDDER TRIBUNE
The Associated Press
Russian troops attacked the main exit route of the Chechen capital of Grozny Tuesday, killing more than 100 civilians. It is not clear if the Kremlin had endorsed this attack on the city.
GROZNY, Russia — While terrified residents fled the Chechen capital any way they could and scores of people were reported killed, it was not clear Tuesday whether the Kremlin had endorsed the Russian attack on the city or exactly who was in charge of the war.
Russia's military commander in the region had warned residents of an all-out attack yesterday morning and promised a safe corridor out of Grozny until then. But Russian troops attacked the main exit route on Tuesday, clashing with Chechen separatists while thousands of panicked refugees were caught in the middle.
More than 100 civilians were killed as Russian troops reportedly blew up a bridge outside Grozny, the Interfax news agency said Tuesday night.
Russian troops fighting to encircle Grozny and trap the Chechen rebels there were backed up by Russian artillery and aircraft firing on the city.
The rebel fighters overran Grozny on Aug. 6, and since then only isolated pockets of Russian soldiers have remained in the battered city.
The flow of refugees turned into a flood after Russian helicopters dropped leaflets warning civilians to leave. Some people carried babies, small children, or a few possessions in plastic shopping bags as they fled on foot. Others crammed into cars and trucks decorated with white flags, bracing for a harrowing ride.
On Tuesday evening, a second road was opened for refugees out of the city; it was not clear if it remained open.
Gen. Konstantin Pulikovsky's threat of a massive attack on Grozny put him at odds with the man President Boris Yeltsin placed in charge of ending the 20-month war: security chief Alexander Lebed. Just last week Lebed had initiated new peace talks and a shaky cease-fire in the breakaway republic.
On Tuesday, Lebed criticized plans for an assault.
"Air raids even after civilians'
evacuation would only expand the conflict," said Lebed, who planned to fly to Grozny Tuesday to meet with commanders on both sides.
In a statement that cast doubt on who was giving orders, Lebed said the copy he got of a presidential directive Monday to retake Grozny bore only a facsimile of Yeltsin's signature.
Yeltsin's office added to the confusion, saying Yeltsin had formulated the latest instructions but the instructions had concerned negotiations.
On Monday, Yeltsin ordered Lebed to return Grozny to the control of federal troops and to continue peace talks.
The president has remained largely absent, dogged by reports of serious health problems. Aides said he was visiting a country resort in northern Russia.
Pulikovsky was transferring control of Russia's Chechnya operation yesterday to Lt. Gen. Vyacheslav Tikhomirov, who indicated he would stick to the ultimatum.
ests around the main road out of the city to the southwest, with rebels firing mortars on Russian soldiers. The Russians succeeded in cutting the corridor Tuesday afternoon, but it was not clear they could hold it.
Fighting raged Tuesday in the for-
The rebels' military chief, Aslan Maskhadov, ordered his fighters Tuesday to prepare for the second stage of their "Zero Option" plan to conquer Grozny, Interfax said. Russian commanders said rebei reinforcements had arrived in the city.
Hundreds of Russian soldiers have died and 1,000 have been wounded in the rebel assault on Grozny. The tally of victims from the entire war, most of them civilians, tops 30,000.
Russian news agencies reported small anti-war rallies Tuesday in towns around Chechnya and other parts of Russia's North Caucasus.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which had helped arrange and mediate previous peace talks, said it had pulled its mission out of Grozny until the fighting stops, Interfax said.
The Etc. Shop
928 Mass.
Downtown
Audio/Video/Car Stereo/CDs KIEF'S
A/V 913-842-1811 CAR 913-842-1438 CDs 913-842-1544
http://www.idir.net/~kiefsav/
24th & Iowa St., Lawrence, KS 66046
GRE·GRE·GRE
The GRE is on Oct. 12th.
Are You Prepared?
THE PRINCETON REVIEW
Call Today!
(800) 865-7737
TPR is not affiliated with Princeton University or EPS
LAWRENCE ATHLETIC CLUB
3201 MESA WAY
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
842-4966
WHERE YOU GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY $$$
MORE TREAD MILLS
MORE BICYCLES
MORE WEIGHTS
MORE STAIRMASTERS MORE WEIGHTEQUIP. MORE AEROBICS
MORE AEROBICS
Two Weights Rooms, Two Racquetball Courts, Suntan Beds, Unlimited Suntan Packages (tan for as little as $.40 a day), Child Care, Pro Shop that carries top brands, Jacuzzis, Saunas, Steam Baths, Locker facilities, Towel service, Certified Instructors & Trainers, Certified Massage Therapists and owners with over 25 years of combined experience in the health and fitness industry. We are members of IRSA, IDEA & NFIB.
Ask about our $11.99 UNLIMITED suntan package!!
STOP BY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY ONE WEEK PASS!
Quizno's CLASSIC SUBS FREE DELIVERY
with $10.00 or more purchase
Bringing Quality Food To Your Doorstep
CATERING AVAILABLE Great for business luncheons and special events
TEL832-9797FAX832-0191
$1.00 service charge for delivery under $10.00