(28 Jun 1995) Russian/Nat
Russian and rebel negotiators met in the Chechen capital of Grozny Wednesday for more talks on ending the six-month war in the breakaway southern republic.
President Yeltsin has reportedly given the Russian delegation the power to sign any peace agreement without getting prior approval from Moscow.
There was a new glimmer of hope for peace in the breakaway republic of Chechnya, Wednesday.
Russian and rebel negotiators met in Grozny to continue peace talks in a bid to halt six months of war.
The Chechen delegation arrived at high speed, lead by General Aslan Makhadov.
He was accompanied by the brother of Shamil Basayev, the field commander who masterminded last week's hostage crisis in Budyonnovsk.
The peace talks have gained momentum since last week.
On Tuesday, Russian President Boris Yeltsin reportedly gave his team
sweeping new powers.
Arkady Volsky and his Russian delegation have reportedly been granted the power to sign a peace agreement without first having to have it cleared by Moscow.
Volsky is expected to float the idea of a coalition council prior to elections in the republic in November. The council would be comprised of representatives of Chechen separatists and members of Chechnya's
Russian-backed provisional government.
Although the two sides are divided over the role that separatist leader Dzhokhar Dudayev would play in any future government, Volsky did not entirely rule out his involvement.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I would call it a national coalition council of social salvation.
Does that mean there will be Dudayev supporters in this council?
Obviously so, on a quota basis."
SUPER CAPTION Arkady Volsky, Russian Delegation Member
A certain amount of optimism surrounds these talks.
Russia is tired of the costly war, while the rebels, and the civilians in Chechnya are exhausted by the brutality.
Both sides appear to be seeking an honourable compromise.
Much has already been achieved. Agreements in principle were reached last week on a prisoner exchange, the disarmament of Chechen fighters, the withdrawal of most Russian armed forces from Chechen territory and free elections later this year.
Now, the negotiations are entering perhaps the most difficult stage: that of determining Chechnya's political future.
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