57 Bodies Found In Grozny Park

A Russian soldier unfolds a state flag near Minutka Square in the Chechen capital of Grozny, February 2000 (epa) April 3, 2006 -- Officials in Chechnya say 57 bodies have been discovered in a park in the capital, Grozny.

A regional prosecutor, Valery Kuznetsov, is quoted as saying the bodies were found in an unmarked grave and could date from fighting in 1999 or 2000. Kuznetsov said 51 bodies had been identified and delivered to relatives for re-burial.

The graves were discovered during de-mining work in the park.

Correspondents say an estimated 100,000 civilians, soldiers, and insurgents died in the republic in two conflicts over the past decade.

(AP, AFP)