AZERBAIJAN SENTENCES REBEL GROUP.

The Supreme Court of Azerbaijan yesterday sentenced 11 participants in the 1995 OPON rebellion to prison terms ranging from 5 to 13 years. Several defendants belonged to the personal entourage of the rebellion’s fugitive co-leader, Mahir Javadov. Mahir’s brother, Rovshan Javadov, led and was killed in that unsuccessful rebellion against President Haidar Aliev, who then dissolved the OPON. Some 360 rebels have been convicted thus far. Others are awaiting trial while still others remain at large. (Turan, Interfax, March 17-19)

Atmosphere Tense as Helsinki Summit Begins.