Crisis in Moscow continues (a brief summary)(Prague Watchdog) 23:00 GMT - A group of several dozen Chechen fighters has for more than 24 hours been holding some 700 civilians hostage in the Dubrovka theater in southeast Moscow. About forty hostages have been released, two women managed to escape. Another woman died when she was - for unclear reasons - trying to get into the building.
The fighters demand an end to the war in Chechnya and the withdrawal of Russian troops from their republic. The Russian leadership has not responsed to their demands yet, nor it said it would order to storm the building.
Many foreign politicians, including Czech President Václav Havel, as well as human rights groups condemned the hostage-taking and called for an immediate release of the hostages.
The Chechen diaspora in Russia as well as Chechen refugees in Ingushetia condemned the hostage-taking too. At the same time, however, many refugees expressed support to the requirement of the fighters.
Representatives of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria expressed support to the requirement of the fighters and said the crisis is a direct result of Russia's bloody campaign in Chechnya. They also condemned terrorism and ruled out links to the group of fighters.
The fighters has thus far been rather unwilling to negotiate with Russian officials. Only some Russian MPs, including Grigori Yavlinski, were allowed to enter the building.
Compiled by Prague Watchdog.
(A,T) |
