CHECHNYA: GROZNY: MUCH OF CITY LIES IN RUINS 

(29 Feb 2000) Russian/Nat
After months of air and artillery bombardment, much of Grozny now lies in ruins.
For the people of the city, day to day life is now a struggle to meet their most basic needs.
On Monday, Alvaro Gil-Robles, the human rights commissioner of the Council of Europe, made a one-day visit to the shattered Chechen capital.
Having seen the war-ruined city and shattered lives, Europe's top human-rights advocate also called for the rebuilding of Grozny.
He said he would continue to press for investigation of alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya.
He also said Russian authorities had agreed that a human rights group could open an observer mission in Gudermes, Chechnya's second-largest city, within two weeks, but did not have further details.
For now, the primary concern for most Chechens is their survival.
Food is scarce, and even the most basic amenities are missing.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"An army colonel told us that we will get gas, that they're going to repair it. They'd promised. I suppose we will have to wait much longer for electricity though."
SUPER CAPTION: Young woman, Grozny resident
Field kitchens have been set up in the city to provide people with basic food.
UPSOUND: (Russian)
"We had forgotten what bread looks like."
SUPER CAPTION: Old woman, Grozny resident
Russia sent ground forces into Chechnya in late September to fight separatist rebels whom it blamed for apartment bombings in Russia.
The bombings came after Chechnya-based Muslim fighters invaded the neighbouring republic of Dagestan in August and were driven out by Russian forces.
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