Russians Raze Chechen Palace
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GROZNY, Russia — Days after authorities broke up a mass rally against Russian troops outside Chechnya’s ruined presidential palace, workers began Thursday to demolish the gutted symbol of rebel resistance.
Explosions echoed and clouds of black smoke billowed over Grozny’s main square as the northern wing of the charred building was blown up.
The Russian-backed Chechen government said the building is being destroyed as a safety measure.
The palace, once the headquarters of rebel leader Dzhokar M. Dudayev, was destroyed during fierce fighting last winter between Chechen rebels and the Russian army.
President Boris N. Yeltsin, announcing his campaign for reelection, said Thursday that he intends to end the war before the June balloting.
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