MOSCOW DISAPPROVES OF KARABAKH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

In an October 26 statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry described Karabakh’s decision to hold a presidential election next month as a contravention of an OSCE decision stipulating that the election can only be held after the determination of Karabakh’s political status. The statement also criticized the exclusion of Azeri refugees from the voting, and said that the election would complicate already difficult negotiations while fueling military tensions, and in effect, "challenging the international community." (Itar-Tass, October 26)

Rybkin Holds First Meeting with Chechen Opposition.