MASKHADOV ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BUILD NEW CAPITAL.

Publication: Monitor Volume: 3 Issue: 169

Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov has announced plans to build a new capital, 20 kilometers south of Grozny. (RTR, September 11) According to Maskhadov, the idea of moving the capital originated with Chechnya’s first president, Djohar Dudaev, who approved plans for the new city prior to his death last year. Maskhadov’s announcement puts an end to the polemic over the name of the present Chechen capital, which Zelimkhan Yandarbiev, Chechnya’s second president, renamed Djohar-gala in honor of Dudaev last year. Maskhadov stressed that the new capital would be named Djohar, and that Grozny would not be renamed since "it is known to the whole world as a fortress city which was able to hold out in an unequal battle."

Renewed Tension Between Moscow and Grozny.