MASKHADOV BANS INDEPENDENT TV AND RADIO IN CHECHNYA.

Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov signed a decree yesterday forbidding all TV or radio stations other than the official state channel "Ichkeria" from broadcasting in Chechnya. (NTV, March 16) The step was officially explained by the need to take account of republic interests and Islamic principles. During the war, when the Chechen resistance gained valuable publicity from media coverage of atrocities by Russian forces against the civilian population, the Chechen side actively encouraged journalists to work in the republic. At that time, it was the Russian troops that tried to exclude the media from areas where military operations were under way.

Chechen Field Commanders Vote to Disband All Units that Do Not Join Regular Army.