CHECHNYA OFFERS TO MEDIATE IN IRAQ CRISIS.

The Chechen Foreign Ministry says Grozny is ready to serve as an intermediary in the Iraq crisis. (NTV, February 4) While it is unlikely that Iraq or any other country will take Grozny up on this proposal, Chechnya has already made a first step on the level of "religious diplomacy." Monitor’s correspondent has learned that a delegation of Islamic clergy, led by the Mufti of Chechnya, has gone to Baghdad to learn about the situation in Iraq first hand.

Udugov Denies His Movement Wants Political Union with Dagestan.