MOSCOW CHANGES ITS NEGOTIATING POSITION ON CHECHNYA.

Russiais now willing to sign an agreement with Chechnya ending militaryactions before the two sides agree on a political agreement definingthe future status of the Chechen Republic, Russian negotiatorstold Moscow media July 26. Such a retreat reflects a Russian desireto end the fighting and a Russian concession that the Chechenswill not lay down their arms unless Moscow recognizes the independenceof Chechnya. Having shifted their negotiating position, the Russiandelegation nonetheless continued its upbeat presentation of thesituation, telling journalists that the Russian side was confidentthe Chechens would agree to the military accord when the talksresume on July 29.