Chechen President killed in blast

On May 9, 2004, the 59th anniversary Victory Day of the Soviet Union in defending the country, Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov was killed in a bloody blast in the capital city of Grozny, which also witnessed a similar bombing in the previous year which killed three. In yesterday's blast, three others also died as well as over 50 injured.

Dynamo stadium, which has been renovated for three months, was delivered for use on May 8. No bomb was spotted in the search before the celebration.

The grand celebrations went smoothly until the performance of the children troupe and meanwhile a deafening bombing. The president of Chechnya was blasted beyond identification and some veteran soldiers in the Soviet war against Nazi Germany were wounded again several decades later.

Rescue started instantly. Some wounded were transferred to military hospitals by helicopters due to limited local medical conditions. Police found and eliminated a bomb yet to be ignited. As guessed, the bomb the terrorists used may be bombs with mechanical timing equipment. Russian General Procuratorate determined the incident as deliberate killing and terrorist activity and investigation was conducted into this event as a criminal case. Chechen police soon seized several suspected. Representatives have been dispatched by Russian Ministry of National Defense, Headquarters of the General Staff and other authorities to deal with the case of blast.

Until the correspondent delivered the report there was no terrorist gang claiming in public the responsibility for the explosion. Public opinion generally held that it was done by Chechen separatists who aimed to disrupt the recent relative stability of the Republic of Chechnya, and cast a shadow over the celebration for Victory Day in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the blast in Moscow while meeting with veterans in the war. He said, justice wiill finally win. No matter in the anti-Nazi war or nowadays, people have been fighting for life, peace and the achievement of the country, terrorists will be subject to inescapable retaliation.

Kadyrov repeatedly stressed that the primary task for his country was to strengthen national unity, safeguard the safety of citizens and eliminate terrorists. In his opinion, Chechnya should build its future within the framework of Russian Federation.

Russian politicians gave speeches mourning the Chechen president. Putin also praised Kadyrov as a "brave and unbeatable man" who had great contribution to the peace process of Chechnya. Sources say, according to Chechnya Constitution, the Prime Minister has been appointed to be acting-President.

Security and defense work was reinforced in Moscow and elsewhere after the blast. The celebrations preset were not at all canceled. Fireworks still released for the 59th anniversary of the Victory Day.

By People's Daily Online