RUSSIA: CHECHNYA: GROZNY: CITY CLEAN UP

(3 Mar 1995) Russian, Nat Special army cleanup brigades have been sent in to Grozny to remove the destruction caused by more than two months of fighting. Working with bulldozers and heavylifting equipment, the teams are demolishing the centre of the city. But their job is expected to take years. The Russian authorities have said that rebuilding the capital is not one of their priorities as they do not want it to become a symbol of resistance to the new regime. But the job of cleaning up the rubble still needs to be done, although the work proceeds under dangerous conditions. Army teams such as these can only work during the day because of the fighting still going on in the suburbs and because of the danger from unexploded mines and grenades among the ruins. The extent of the devastation was so great that the cleanup is expected to take years. SOUNDBITE (Russian) It s difficult to say how long we ll be here. You can see for yourself the destruction and what equipment is needed. I th