STAVROPOL OFFICIAL DENIES PERSECUTION OF CHECHEN REFUGEES.

Yuri Luzhnikov, the prosecutor of Stavropol kray, rejectedrecent media reports on harassment of Chechen refugees on histerritory, Interfax reported July 12. He said that his officehad had only one report of such harassment and that was by a groupof Cossacks. Luzhnikov’s remarks came in response to a Chechenappeal to all North Caucasian regions to take steps against suchpersecution.

Health Ministry Says Medicine Shortages are Over.