•E^JJwrnment. MovlaSl “raba ^9ald today all rebel nehters had left the region s Sieged capita' Grozny, reports Rc1^ withdrawal was carried ..tn an orderly fashlon." said by satellite tele-Uhone from an undisclosed lo-K ha^ brn “T pletely withdrawn from the '"’udugov said he had been U L rri»fl field commander BasayC’ 'he withdrawal ^ad”«n reducted jn accor-dance with an a^eed plan lo defend our state. The redeployment was successful. All army units withdrew along pre-arranged routes, complee with all weapons and ammunition.

lie gave no Oguros for he number of lighters pulled out of hP cltv which has been under sustained Russian attack since lust before the New Year. There was no immediate confirmation from Russian officials of UdugoVs comments.

The Russian military announced on Monday it had taken control of Mlnutka Square, a strategic roundabout OKing access to the centre of Qae devastated city.

Russia launched Its advance against Chechen rebels last September and moved quickly through lowlands In the separatist territory before running uo against resistance In Grozny The rebels still control many mountain areas to the south of the regional capital.