MOSCOW Pro-Moscow officials in the Chechen capital Grozny inaugurated Wednesday a monument to Chechnya residents who died in World War II on the occasion of Russia's Victory Day, celebrating the end of the war.

All previous monuments to the republic's World War II dead had been destroyed in fighting between Russian forces and separatists, a local official told the Interfax news agency.

A variety of events have been laid on to mark the anniversary, with children's groups performing in a local stadium and the opening of an art exhibition, the proceeds from which will go to opening a Children's Art Center, the official said.

City police units are to parade in a Grozny square, he said.

Russian and local officials are attempting to establish a picture of normality in the war-ravaged republic, where Russian troops have been pitted against Chechen separatists since October 1, 1999.

President Vladimir Putin earlier this year announced a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from the republic, but this was halted last month after only 5,000 troops had pulled out, AFP said.