Chechnya Bilked Of Aid, Prosecutor Says

Millions of dollars have been siphoned off funds earmarked for the reconstruction of Chechnya, Russia’s top prosecutor said Sunday.

President Boris Yeltsin and other top officials have repeatedly announced major programs to rebuild the separatist republic, but there has been little action except to repair rail lines and some oil-related facilities.

Prosecutor General Yuri Skuratov said theft has been particularly blatant in the agencies handling construction, health, agriculture and community services.

The report did not say what steps Skuratov planned to take.