MOSCOW DISMISSES FOREIGN CRITICISM OF CHECHNYA ACTIONS…

Russia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday bluntly rejected foreign criticism of Russian policy in the Caucasus and suggested that the Chechen rebels were responsible for the latest upsurge in violence. A Foreign Ministry spokesman also pointed to Aleksandr Lebed’s peace-making efforts and said it was hoped that they would lead to a political solution to the crisis. (Interfax, August 22)

…And Pledges Political Solution to Conflict?