Koshman sets priorities for Chechen reconstruction
Nikolai Koshman, the Russian government
representative in Chechnya, told journalists in Moscow on 4 February that
it is necessary to restore gas and electricity supplies to all Russian-
controlled districts of Chechnya and to ensure that communications, schools,
and hospitals are functioning normally, Russian agencies reported. Only
when this is achieved, Koshman continued, should a decision be taken on
whether to rebuild Grozny. He added that at present, however, "there
is no money" for undertaking that task. Koshman said that it would
not be "dreadful" if Gudermes, the second- largest town in Chechnya,
were temporarily designated the republic's capital. Koshman had argued
last November that there was "no need" to rebuild Grozny (see
"RFE/RL Newsline," 15 November 1999). Koshman also denied rumors
of tensions between himself and former Grozny Mayor Beslan Gantamirov and
pro-Moscow Chechen State Council chairman Malik Saidullaev, according to
Interfax. LF
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=A9 2000 RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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