(15 Mar 1996) Russian/Eng/Nat
Russia's Security Council will meet Friday to discuss a new peace plan for the Chechen conflict.
After the renewed hostilities in the Chechen capital Grozny last week, the pressure is now on President Yeltsin to come up with a plan to end hostilities before June's presidential elections.
When the Russian Security Council meet later on Friday, the performance of Russia's military leadership is likely to top the agenda.
After renewed hostilities in the Chechen capital, Grozny, last week, President Boris Yeltsin is under increasing pressure to come up with a plan to end the hostilities in Chechnya.
Boris Yeltsin who is seeking re-election for President will be keen to find a solution before the elections in June.
He is not the only one seeking peace.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
They solved the problem in Tatarstan. They have now got their own sovereign state with their own emblem, their own flag and anthem. I want a peaceful solution of course. I am no lover of war. I didn't come here because I want to kill.
SUPERCAPTION: Russian Soldier
After being in control of Grozny for over a year, the Russian government were taken completely by surprise by a rebel attack last week where they lost many men in the ensuing battle.
Morale among the Russian troops in Chechnya is at an all-time low.
After more than a year, they are fed up with the war and want it brought to a peaceful end.
Russian sent some 40,000 troops into Chechnya in December 1994 to crush their self-proclaimed independence and so far more than 30,000, mostly civilians, people have died in the fighting.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
This could go on endlessly. First we take the town and then have to pull out and then take it again. We have to solve it by talks.
SUPER CAPTION: Captain Ivan Vinogradov
Much of the blame for the army's poor performance will fall on Defence Minister Pavel Grachev.
Many are suggesting that Boris Yeltsin will finally sack Grachev.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
Yeltsin doesn't have good military advisors and he has a Defence Minister Pavel Grachev who is obviously not up to the job.
SUPER CAPTION: Pavel Felegenhauer, defence analyst
Even if he survives Friday's meeting of the Security Council - his days as Russian Defence Minister may be numbered.
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