RUSSIA-CHECHNYA-CHRISTMAS

A Chechen man, dressed as a Russian Father Frost (Santa Claus), flanked by kids walks at the centre of Chechnen capital Grozny 20 December 2005. Russian forces continue to suffer daily casualties in an ongoing guerrilla war in Chechnya with separatist fighters, despite Kremlin-driven efforts at „political normalisation” of the conflict. AFP PHOTO / HASAN KAZIEV