Three killed in Chechnya bomb attack

A BOMB targeting a bus carrying workers to Russia's main military base in its turbulent Chechnya region killed three people yesterday, security sources said.

The attack, in a region where separatists have fought government forces for nearly a decade, took place as world leaders arrived in St Petersburg, at the other end of the country, for celebrations marking the 300th birthday of Russia's second city, hosted by President Vladimir Putin.

Security sources said the bus had dropped off about 20 workers after taking them to Khankala, the main Russian military base just outside the Chechen capital, Grozny.

One person travelling in a nearby car died, along with two others in the vicinity. Eight people were injured.

The attack was the latest in an upsurge of violence in Chechnya in recent weeks, making a mockery of Russian claims that people are rallying behind a Kremlin peace plan and that the security situation is returning to normal. Grozny Mayor Oleg Zhidkov called for more mobile patrols but said he opposed any increased Russian troop presence, Interfax news agency reported.

"We don't need more troops or tougher measures. Setting up barbed wire won't work either," he was quoted as saying. "What we do need is more vigilance by security forces."

Rights' groups have urged Western leaders to challenge Mr Putin in St Petersburg over alleged abuses by Russian forces in Chechnya.

Mr Putin has refused to speak to Chechen separatist leaders and answered Western critics of the military campaign with a plan for limited

autonomy. The plan was backed in a March referendum which showed considerable support for keeping Chechnya in Russia and prepared the way for regional elections, but the region remains unstable.

Two suicide bombings this month killed more than 70 people. The attacks were claimed by Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev, who vowed to keep fighting in remarks obtained by reporters yesterday.

Most Western countries have toned down allegations of abuse since Russia gave its full backing to the US-led anti-terror campaign after the September 11, 2001, airline attacks.

Amnesty International urged leaders attending today's European Union-Russia summit in St Petersburg to make a meaningful contribution by calling on Russia to guarantee human rights in Chechnya.

A statement by Human Rights Watch, issued in New York, said civilians remained subject to killings, forced disappearances and torture, making Chechnya one of the most dangerous places on earth.

"St Petersburg's splendour should not eclipse this," the group said.

Meanwhile, in a rare account of a meeting of Chechen field commanders, rebel leader Mr Basayev said his fighters were still determined to wrest control of the region from Russia.

"Our spirits are unbowed. We are resolved in our faith that each passing day brings closer our victory," he said.

The time and location of the meeting were unknown.