CHECHEN MUFTI APPEALS FOR RELEASE OF KIDNAPPED PRIESTS.

Chechen Mufti Hajji Akhmad Kadyrov is to visit western Chechnya where two Russian Orthodox priests, kidnapped last week, are thought to be held captive by Chechen militants. (Itar-Tass, January 12) Kadyrov will appeal to local officials and Moslem clergymen for help in the search for the clergymen. He said no useful purpose would be served by their abduction.

Russians Eyeing Former Naval Base in Latvia.