CHECHNYA GROUPING MAY BE REDUCED BY END OF MARCH








MOSCOW, March 1, 2001. /Alexander Konovalov, RIA Novosti Correspondent/. The 4,000-strong Airborne Force in Chechnya may see some reductions by late March, said Commander of the Russian Airborne Forces, General Georgy Shpak. He said the issue was being addressed now.


	The General clarified that the special battalion of the 31st Brigade, which was currently stationed near Argun, might be pulled out by the end of March. A reinforced battalion of the 108th Airborne Regiment would replace the 247th Air Assault Regiment.