Moscow, March 25 (RFE/RL) - Despite the end of a Russian
ultimatum to Chechen fighters to surrender, there are no signs that
Russian troops have begun a new assault in western Chechnya.
The ultimatum was announced yesterday by the federal command in
Chechnya.
The Russian military command had ordered Chechen separatists in
three villages - Goiskoye, Alkhazurovo and Komsomolskoye of the
Urus-Martan district -- to surrender their weapons by this morning or face further attacks.
But RFE/RL correspondent quotes defense ministry representatives as
saying there are no indications of new attacks by either side.
Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Pavel Grachev, during an
unexpected visit to the capital Grozny today, will discuss the
situation in the breakway republic with local officials.