WEST URGES PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF HOSTAGE CRISIS.

Bonn and Paris have urged Russia to exercise restraint in dealing with the Chechen hostage-takers in Pervomaiskoye. During a hastily called press conference, German foreign minister Klaus Kinkel said Bonn had expressed its concern to Moscow through diplomatic channels, but had not contacted the rebel group. Kinkel encouraged the rebels to release their hostages. A French Foreign Ministry official also called for dialogue between the two sides. U.S. administration officials condemned the hostage-taking, but worried that Russia’s use of military force could deepen the conflict. (9) Reactions from western capitals appeared to belie the claim, put forward by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, that the world community had approved the Russian assault in Dagestan as a legitimate means of opposing terrorism. (10)

Lebed Has Few Original Ideas on Military Reform.