RUSSIA: DUMA: VLADIMIR ZHIRINOVSKY

(6 Dec 1994) Russian/Nat

The Russian Defense Minister Pavel Grachev is holding talks with the leader of the separatist Chechen republic, Dzhokhar Dudayev.

The meeting, in the neighbouring region of Ingushetia, comes after Russia admitted backing rebels who want to overthrow Dudayev and the capture of 70 Russian servicemen in Chechnya.

In Moscow a delegation from the right-wing Liberal Democratic Party returned from Grozny with two Russian prisoners of war, whose release it had negotiated with President Dudayev.

There was a heroes' welcome at Moscow airport when the two prisoners of war arrived back from Chechnya with a delegation from the right wing Liberal Democrats who'd secured their release.

It was in marked contrast to the low-key reception for the other P-O-W's who returned with a delegation of deputies from the Russian parliament on Saturday.

The capture of the troops has been an embarrassment for the Russian government which had initially denied any involvement with rebels trying to topple Field Marshal Dudayev.

Moscow has accused Dudayev of allowing his republic to become a haven for criminals and fomenting unrest in the region.

The two soldiers said that they were very happy to be home and were immediately taken to meet the leader of the Liberal Democrats Vladimir Zhirinovsky at the Duma, the lower house of parliament.

Outside they encountered a small group of Chechens, protesting about the Russian army's participation in the conflict and calling for peace talks. Inside Zhirinovsky welcomed them with open arms and compared their plight to past military missions.

SOUNDBITE:
Nikolai Tsintsov. A Russian soldier. In 1941 the Russian army was captured by the German army and the Russian soldiers didn't know what was happening. Fifty-five years later and the same thing has happened again. They ditched soldiers without any weapons who didn't know a thing
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Liberal Democrat leader

There were also hugs and kisses for the delegation who had scored a propaganda coup for the maverick politician.

In a packed news conference he attacked the government and call for immediate Presidential elections.

He also warned against trying to capture the Chechen capital, Grozny.

SOUNDBITE: (English Translation from Russian)
A single shot in Sarajevo started the First World War. The capture of Grozny will start a Civil War in Russia. Why do we need a war in Grozny? To disperse our army. There will be no Civil War while our army is united.
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Liberal Democrat leader

The prisoners looked a little embarrassed by all the attention.

Nikolai Tsintsov and his grandmother were just glad that he had come home.

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