41.   A spokesman for the Kremlin press service declined to comment on the report.

42.   A senior U.S. State Department official responsible for Africa met Thursday with President Daniel arap Moi, his press service said.

43.   A spokesman for the Russian government press service said he could not confirm the report, and Chechen officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

44.   A spokesman for the government press service in Budyonnovsk said Basayev wants to keep a number of hostages to accompany him and his fighters back to Chechnya.

45.   A spokesman for the Russian government press service said he could not confirm such a telegram.

46.   A spokesman for the Russian government press service said he could not confirm the reports, and Chechen officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

47.   A visit scheduled this week by Russian President Boris Yeltsin to Ukraine has been postponed, the presidential press service said Monday.

48.   According to the presidential press service, Yeltsin hopes to shore up sagging government revenues by cracking down on tax and customs evaders.

49.   According to the press service, six rebel strongholds and a communications facility were wiped out by the air strikes.

50.   Afanasyev replaces Georgy Kunadze, who is being transferred to another post, the press service said without elaboration.