…WILL KEEP SOME TROOPS THERE.

The Nazran protocols stipulate the withdrawal of Russian troops "temporarily stationed" in Chechnya, leaving a loophole for the stay of those Russian forces which Moscow defines as "permanently stationed." Russia’s Defense Ministry announced yesterday that it is drawing up plans for the withdrawal of part of its forces, but also reaffirmed its plan to "permanently station" at least two brigades in Chechnya. The plan is almost certainly unacceptable to the Chechen resistance and seems likely to lead to new hostilities after the Russian presidential election. (Interfax, June 11)

Moscow Defends Guldimann "On the Whole".