CHECHNYA HAS NO DESIRE TO ACQUIRE NUCLEAR MATERIALS.

Chechen deputy premier Kazbek Makhashev says his republic has no desire to acquire nuclear materials. He expressed bewilderment at reports in the Western media that the removal of nuclear waste from Georgia (see the Monitor, April 22) might be linked to fears that weapons-grade uranium could fall into Chechen hands. “Even in the most difficult period of the war, the Chechens never tried to acquire or use nuclear materials,” Makhashev said, “since the idea of building an independent democratic state and the threat of having a homemade nuclear bomb are incompatible.” (NTV, April 22)

INGUSH PRESIDENT BLAMES RUSSIANS FOR ATTACK ON MILITARY CONVOY.