11.   Azayev is one of thousands of Chechens who moved to the gorge to escape the war across the rugged mountains in their separatist Russian republic.

12.   But Friday passed relatively quietly in the small separatist republic.

13.   But Mikhailov and other Russian authorities appeared determined that the rebel gunmen would not escape back to their separatist republic.

14.   But Russian authorities appeared determined that the gunmen not be allowed to escape back to their separatist republic.

15.   But the two leaders edged toward a compromise in which Moscow would grant the separatist republic substantial autonomy.

16.   But until now Russian officials have insisted that the two brigades were permanently based in the separatist republic and would remain there.

17.   But Russian leaders and legislators have since criticized the provision as too vague and dangerous and insisted that the separatist republic remain part of Russia.

18.   But until now, Russian officials have insisted that the two brigades were permanently based in the separatist republic and would remain there.

19.   Chechen leaders accused Moscow officials Thursday of seeking to isolate their separatist republic and launch a new war there under the pretext of fighting terrorism.

20.   Chechen police have arrested and jailed a Japanese man for nearly two weeks on charges of illegally entering the separatist republic, an official said Wednesday.