CHECHNYA: ASLAN MASKHADOV WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS скачать в хорошем качестве

CHECHNYA: ASLAN MASKHADOV WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

(29 Jan 1997) Russian/Nat The first official results released Wednesday confirmed that Aslan Maskhadov won an overwhelming mandate from Chechen voters. Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev conceded defeat in the presidential elections, but he immediately ruled out co-operation with the new Chechen president. In Moscow, Russian security chief Ivan Rybkin said the government will respect the Chechen voters' choice. Rybkin said the Kremlin would try to work out differences between Moscow and the breakaway republic by peaceful means. Outside the new President's house in the village of Pervomaiskoye, Aslan Maskhadov's supporters continued to celebrate. After two years of devastating war against Russia, Chechens finally had the opportunity go to the ballots and choose their new leader. They see the victory of separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov as the first milestone towards a breakaway from Russia - enough reason to have a traditional celebration. And, with the first official results released today, their was no doubt anymore that rebel chief-of-staff Maskhadov is the outright winner. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "Basayev had 66,856 votes, taking 27.7 per cent and Maskhadov had 228,608 votes, giving him a total of 64.8 per cent. There are 7 out of 63 regions left to be counted." SUPER CAPTION: Akhram Madugov, Central Electoral Commission official Chechen Rebel leader Shamil Basayev had high hopes of winning the elections but he was soundly beaten into second place. Basayev, wanted as a terrorist in Russia but feted as a hero in his native land, conceded defeat in the presidential elections. At a press conference in Grozny ton Wednesday morning, Basayev said he would not act in opposition to Maskhadov. However, he appeared to rule out any form of close co-operation with the new administration. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "We are all from the same commando, we all want one and the same thing - independence for Chechnya, although we might have different opinions about how to get there. I will not participate in his administration because I don't want to disturb the implication of his programme." SUPER CAPTION: Shamil Basayev, Rebel Leader Many Chechens hope now that their new president, the Chechen military leader who masterminded the defeat of Russian forces, will help to realise their long awaited dreams. In Moscow, Russian security chief Ivan Rybkin told a press conference that the government will respect the Chechen voters' choice. Responding to claims by the Chechen leaders that Russia should compensate for war damage, Rybkin said Chechnya will have to rely on its own resources. He said Russia will welcome foreign aid to Chechnya on condition it is provided with Moscow's knowledge and consent. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) "They (Chechens) will have to handle the absolute majority of problems on their own. They will have to look for cooperation with other Russian regions, look for cooperation with former Soviet republics and foreign countries. If there is foreign aid, we only will welcome it. I think much of it will have to come under Russia's guarantees." SUPER CAPTION: Ivan Rybkin, Russian Security Chief Rybkin also expressed hope that the Chechen president-elect will not try to secede from Russia before the expiration of the five year cooling-off period envisaged by accords between Moscow and Grozny. But all Chechen presidential hopefuls, including Maskhadov, put the issue of Chechnya's independence from Russia at the top of their political agendas. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...