CHECHENS MARK ANNIVERSARY OF DUDAEV’S DEATH.

Chechens yesterday marked the anniversary of the death of the first Chechen president, Djohar Dudaev. The republic’s leadership visited the place where he was killed. A ritual dance was performed in his honor.

Dudaev was killed two years ago by a guided missile, while he was on the telephone with a Russian politician. Dudaev’s conversation, and his location, were apparently determined by satellite, enabling the Russian authorities to aim the missile that took his life. To this day, it is unclear which branch of the Russian forces was responsible for Dudaev’s death. The Kremlin has not taken official responsibility for it. Neither were the media allowed to see the Chechen president’s body, and the place of his burial is still kept secret. Chechen Vice President Vakha Arsanov told journalists this week that the location of Dudaev’s grave will be disclosed only after Chechnya’s independence is officially recognized by the world community. (NTV, April 21)

The mystery surrounding Dudaev’s death has led many ordinary Chechens to doubt that he is dead. Among influential Chechen politicians, however, only Dudaev’s son-in-law, field commander Salman Raduev, says he believes that the first Chechen president is still alive.

“LENIN DID NOT BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS.