Chechen youth rallies to back pro-Moscow warlord

GROZNY, Russia, June 14 (Reuters) Thousands of Chechens today rallied in Grozny in a march showing the power of pro-Moscow warlord Ramzan Kadyrov who dominates the region.

Kadyrov's bearded face topped with a Che Guevara style beret scowled down on the march from dozens of posters, from Chechen flags and from the t-shirts of the participants.

''Chechen youth supports the course of Ramzan Kadyrov. Today's act is another clear example. We will be active helpers in the resurrection of our war-shattered republic,'' said Saikhan Makhamev, leader of the Kadyrov fan club.

The 29-year-old Kadyrov is prime minister of the region and through his command of thousands of irregular troops he is key to Moscow's attempts to control a region where it has fought separatists for 11 years.

His father defected to Moscow's side six years ago, and persuaded thousands of other rebels to abandon the separatist cause. Rebels killed his father in 2004, but Kadyrov managed to keep the loyalty of the private army.

Rebels call him Moscow's stooge, but his support from the Kremlin gives him few rivals, and rights groups accuse him of crushing opponents with kidnapping, rape and murders.

Students who took part in the march had been bussed in from all over Chechnya, and waited for hours before their 15-minute march.

Wearing t-shirts of red, green and white, they briefly formed a giant Chechen flag.

This organisational feat, achieved in a region where transport is poor, unemployment is rife and buildings and roads are in ruins after 11 years of separatist conflict was a graphic demonstration of Kadyrov's power.

Analysts say he has gained more freedom of action than the rebels, who have fought Moscow since the end of communism and gained de facto independence from 1994-6, ever managed to.

''The current situation demands that all of Chechen society works with redoubled strength, with passion, not thinking about time or difficulties,'' Kadyrov told the Chechen parliament, in a speech marking his 100th day as premier.

Deputies responded approvingly, with Speaker Dukvakha Abdurakhmanov giving him ''top marks plus'' for his work.

After his speech, he went outside where a Chechen boy in national costume danced a traditional dance to rhythmic clapping from the assembled dignitaries.

But some of the onlookers to the march sensed another agenda from their prime minister, who few doubt will become one day regional president a post held by his father until his 2004 assassination when he has reached 30, the minimum legal age for a Chechen president.

''At first glance, this march shows the unity and determination of the people, but everything is being done to show Russia the power of Ramzan Kadyrov before the elections,'' said Magomed Yedilkhanov, 46, a Grozny resident looking on.

''He will be 30 soon, and this is a great advert for his electoral campaign.'' REUTERS SY BD2358