FACTIONAL FIGHTING RAGES IN TAJIKISTAN.

Tajik government forces yesterday and today continued attacking the brigade of rebel Col. Mahmud Hudoiberdiev, whose main forces are now located in two districts abutting Uzbekistan. Supporters of ousted customs chief Yakub Salimov and other veteran Popular Front combatants support Hudoberdiev’s forces in the fighting. Pro-Dushanbe authorities have abandoned the two districts. However, the rebels reportedly face difficulties replenishing their ranks in that region, located outside their southern fiefdom which centers on Korgan-Teppe. (Russian and international agencies, August 17-18)

Russian, Chechen Presidents Meet Today.