1.   The TV networks are squabbling about which correspondents will witness the deed.

2.   However, this correspondent witnessed mortars falling on the three villages, and saw several separatist fighters wounded in Novogrozny.

3.   AFP correspondents have witnessed heavy bombardments of Chechen-held villages during the ceasefire period.

4.   An AFP correspondent witnessed heavy fighting on the road near Bavel, but said the battle remained deadlocked.

5.   An AFP correspondent witnessed stone throwing near the northern entrance to the flashpoint town and several incidents were reported elsewhere.

6.   Just before noon an AFP correspondent witnessed a Dostam jet score a direct hit on Bala Hissar with what appeared to be a cluster-bomb.

7.   The AFP correspondent witnessed the burnings on a trip organised by the CCDAC and attended by international and local journalists.

8.   The incident could not be independently confirmed, but an AFP correspondent recently witnessed the use of heavy artillery against the village of Yandi, which neighbours Stary Achkhoi.