Chechens plan VE 'peace'

Chechens plan VE 'peace'

Moscow - Separatist rebels in Chechnya said they intended to reduce fighting against Russian troops to a minimum during Victory in Europe celebrations next week. The Chechen general staff dismissed Kremlin allegations that the rebels were planning a series of attacks on Russian troops when about 50 world leaders attend ceremonies in Moscow on Tuesday to mark the anniversary.

Meanwhile, a civilian died in heavy firing yesterday on the north-eastern outskirts of the devastated Chechen capital, Grozny, where Russian forces plan to hold a VE march-past.