Due to its symbolic significance, the question of the withdrawal of the two Russian brigades which were deployed in Grozny, became the main factor threatening the fragile peace. The Chechen leadership repeatedly argued that the Russian forces constituted a serious obstacle to the signing of an interim agreement on the basic principles of relations. The Russian authorities, in turn, regarded the presence of their forces on Chechen soil as a necessary measure, demonstrating the subjection of Chechnya to the federal centre. Furthermore, the fact that the issue became a part of the power struggle among confronting interest groups within the Russian administration was deepening the crisis.
Primary Language | English |
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Journal Section | Articles |
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Publication Date | June 1, 1997 |
Published in Issue | Year 1997 Volume: 2 Issue: 2 |