The Russian army has begun to withdraw troops from war-torn Chechnya. The Russian defence ministry called it a phased scaledown in Moscow's military presence there, the defence ministry told reporters today.
"The large-scale military phase is over and the operation to reduce troop levels has begun in line with the withdrawal plan announced by President [Vladimir] Putin," a ministry spokesman said.
Up to 80,000 Russian troops are believed to be fighting in secessionist Chechnya where Moscow launched what it called an "anti-terrorist" operation on October 1st 1999.
Deputy chief of staff Gen Valery Manilov said despite the reduction in troop levels Russian forces would continue to combat guerrilla activity but Moscow wanted to return the republic to normal life.
"We will ensure that the withdrawal will be carried out according to plan, and there will not be any rushed or massive military pullout," Gen Manilov said. AFP