The Week in Brief: Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2001Mon, Mar 12
No major events.
Tue, Mar 13
The announced reduction of Russian troops in Chechnya has begun by the withdrawal of the 74th brigade.
Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called in Geneva for an end to fighting in Chechnya.
Wed, Mar 14
Russian engineers have finished demining Grozny's Severny airport, the first civilian charter flight is scheduled for March 20.
Russian military aircraft reportedly violated Georgian air space dropping flares at Georgian territory near the Georgian-Chechen border. The incident provoked sharp protests from Georgian officials but was denied by Russian authorities.
Thu, Mar 15
A Vnukovo Airlines craft flying from Istanbul to Moscow and carrying 162 people was hijacked by three Chechens and re-routed to Medina, Saudi Arabia. The Chechen government dismissed any connection with the hijacking.
Fri, Mar 16
No major events.
Sat, Mar 17
Saudi troops stormed the airliner which was hijacked on Mar 15 and freed all remaining hostages, killing one hijacker and a Russian stewardess. Another passenger was killed during the storming as well.
Sun, Mar 18
No major events.
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