RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: GROZNY: CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT UPDATE (2)

(23 Aug 1996) Russian/Nat

The ceasefire in the Chechen capital, Grozny, appears to be holding despite widespread scepticism that it won't last..

Chechen separatists have been dancing in the streets, jubilant that the fighting is over, at least for the moment.

They've invested their hopes in Russia's National Security advisor Alexander Lebed, - many Chechens believe he's the only one who can end the war.

But not everyone is that optimistic - desperate civilians in the capital continue to hide out in their cellars.

The sound of silence in Grozny Friday - the only indication of recent battles these burnt out tanks lining the streets.

There was some gunfire but it was to mark the latest ceasefire --- Chechen separatists danced in the streets to celebrate the truce agreed by Alexander Lebed and Chechen rebel commander Aslan Maskhadov.

But despite their faith in General Lebed, the separatists say they're ready to take up arms again if the need arises.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We've got the order to hold fire but if the Russians attack we'll respond."
SUPER CAPTION: Chechen commander

And the Chechens are leaving nothing to chance ... they're refusing to release a number of Russian prisoners of war.

These POWs are held by the men of rebel leader Ruslan Masayev.

He told APTV he does trust Russian Security advisor Alexander Lebed to honour the agreement he signed with the rebel leaders.

He believes the general is one of the few people who can bring the war to an end.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"This is Russian politics. I have my hope in Lebed because his actions match his words. Only this kind of person can stop the war."
SUPER CAPTION: Rebel commander Ruslan Masayev

But not everyone in Grozny is as optimistic.

Many are worried Moscow will not stick to its word and expect the Russians to use the ceasefire to prepare for more fighting.

Desperate civilians in Grozny continue to hide out in their cellars and refuse to come out.

They are using this quiet time to mourn the dead and wait for the return of missing relatives.

The civilians remain holed up in cellars - without fresh water or food.

Antonina Burenina told APTV she didn't want to leave the capital without her son who went missing.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I haven't left because I can barely walk and I am waiting for my son who disappeared 10 days ago."
SUPER CAPTION: Antonina Burenina

Others who have stayed on are Daria Urasova.

She's is visiting the grave of her grandson and his friend who were killed during a missile attack on 8 August.

Other grief stricken mourners prepare to bury another victim of the conflict.

Chechen fighter Ramzan Zhakharanov died in a gun battle in Minutka, near the centre of Grozny Thursday.

His family buried him Friday - in a new cemetery for Chechens in Tostsy Yurt - 40km from the capital.

The graveyard has only just been set up since the start of the latest fighting in the region.

These people hope that the latest deal by Lebed and Chechen rebel commander Aslan Maskhadov will produce a real and lasting peace.

Lebed's shuttle diplomacy between the two sides has quelled some of the worst fighting since the war began in 1994.

But it still remains to be seen whether Russian generals, who have defied previous accords, will abide by the latest agreement.

President Yeltsin has already taken a verbal swipe at his security advisor implying that he is not as committed as Lebed to the accord.



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