21.   The Kremlin poured troops into the rebellious southern republic in December to put down its independence drive.

22.   The Kremlin poured troops into the rebellious southern republic in December to put down its drive for independence.

23.   The rugged area is a key rebel refuge from Russian forces, which seized lowland areas of Chechnya after entering the rebellious republic in September.

24.   Interfax also said that the upper house was preparing to call for an immediate end to the fighting in the rebellious republic.

25.   The parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe is due to open its autumn session on Monday with a debate on the rebellious Russian republic.