(B2431) wrote in message ...
From: (Michael Petukhov)



How's your economy doing?

Thanks good enough. 7.3% growth in 2003

Still on life support? Is your losing the war in
Chechnya a major economic drain?

What war are you talking about? last sepatists are being killed
or surrender as Mashadov "defense minister" a couple of days ago:
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09:57 High-ranking Chechen separatist surrenders to federal forces

Former Chechen separatist defense minister Magomed Khambiyev has given
up armed resistance and surrendered, the regional headquarters of the
anti-terrorist operation in the North Caucasus reported on Monday.

"I confirm Khambiyev's surrender," said headquarters spokesman Colonel
Ilya Shabalkin. He said that several formal procedures are required to
document Khambiyev's surrender. "So far, the act of surrender has not
been documented. Only prosecutors can do so," Shabalkin said.

He said Khambiyev had not recently been actively involved in combat
operations. "When the counter-terrorist operation was launched in
1999, Khambiyev was an active member of rebel formations. But over the
past couple of years, he has been on the sidelines, obviously
analyzing the situation in the republic, what he should do next and
how to surrender," he said.

NTV television reported on Monday evening that Khambiyev laid down his
arms in the village of Tsentoroi, and broadcast a video showing him
surrendering to the Chechen authorities. Speaking in Chechen through a
translator, Khambiyev said that he had decided to emerge from the
resistance movement following lengthy talks.

Khambiyev also said that local elders had influenced his decision and
that he believes statements made by Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov.
"The people must no longer be tortured and entangled in the fighting,"
he said. //Interfax





Dan, U.S. Air Force, retired