(28 Jun 1995) Russian/Nat
As peace talks move into another round in Grozny, capital of the war-torn Russian republic of Chechnya, there is a widespread sense that finally a lasting settlement may be attainable.
Jump-started by last week's hostage crisis in the southern Russian town of Budyonnovsk, the talks have gained a momentum that many think spells an end to more than six months fighting.
But as bulldozers drag away the debris of destruction, the battle to rebuild Grozny is only just beginning.
The ghostly shells of bombed-out buildings are the backdrop to a slow return to the rhythms of normal life in the Chechen capital Grozny.
Grozny's population of 400,000 once accounted for almost have of the republic's inhabitants.
Little by little, pedestrians and traders have returned to the city streets.
It is as if citizens have sensed the possible peace accord between Russia and the Chechen forces.
Shamil Basayev, leader of the group of rebels whose daring raid into Russian territory forced serious peace talks, has won hero status in his homeland:
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
" Terrorism cannot be justified. But in this case, I think Basayev can be excused because with this action he might have saved dozens, maybe thousands, of Chechen and Russian lives."
SUPER CAPTION: Ro Sayidov, Grozny Resident
Nobody knows precisely how many civilians were killed in the ruthless bombardment of Grozny or in airstrikes against rebel-held villages in the south of the republic.
While the human cost remains incalculable, the material price of reconstructing the city was set by Moscow at $100 (m) million.
As yet there is little sign of rebuilding - for months now, demolition crews and bulldozers have worked from dawn till dusk just to haul away the wreckage and rubble from the city centre.
Of the promised $100 (m) million, Grozny authorities say they have received no more than seven.
Salambek Hadjiev, head of the Russian-installed provisional government, is caught in a dilemma. On the one hand accused of betrayal and collaboration by fellow Chechens, he must also battle with Moscow superiors who, he says, refuse to take the problems
facing the devastated republic seriously.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"It's all made worse by political infighting in Russia. We have become hostages to that political struggle inside Russia. Chechens and Chechnya are simply treated as pawns in their political manoeuvering.
SUPER CAPTION: Salambek Hadjiev, Prime Minister, Chechen
Provisional Government
He estimates that around 30,000 families lost their homes as a result of Russia's undeclared war on Chechnya.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"Of those 30,000, we have got sufficient funds to rehouse around 10,000. 20,000 families may end up, well, on the street.
SUPER CAPTION: Salambek Hadjiev, Prime Minister, Chechen
Provisional Government
Those who have the strength, manpower and money are taking things into their own hands. Zaindi Sharkayev evacuated his family from Grozny during the Russian bombardment and returned to find his house gutted.
He now lives with his daughters in the one remaining room. Sharkayev, like many others, has given up waiting for state funding to rebuild his home.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I haven't seen it, but they say some people are getting assistance. But if I'm going to wait around for help, I don't think we'll make it through the winter.
SUPER CAPTION: Zaindi Sharkayev, Grozny resident
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