41.  The offer of such high-level participation may signal a new commitment from the Russian leadership to end the six-month war in the breakaway republic.

42.  The Russian leadership, including Yeltsin, believes that the United States currently exerts too much influence on international issues.

43.  The rebels reportedly promised to release old people and women in exchange for talks between Dudayev and the Russian leadership and safe passage back from the city.

44.  The Russian leadership has been critical of U.S. global dominance and NATO moves into eastern Europe.

45.  U.S. officials say the Russian leadership has not sent a clear message to law enforcement agencies that sensitive technology transfers must stop.

46.  Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev warned his followers would reject talks with Moscow if the Russian leadership was involved in the killing of General Dudayev.

47.  Yarikhanovv said the Russian leadership was clearly split on how to deal with Chechnya, especially on the pipeline.

48.  He acknowledged, however, that the Russian leadership would have problems convincing its own public opinion of the merits of the accord.

49.  He said the Russian leadership should show goodwill by calling a ceasefire, withdrawing its troops and starting negotiations towards a treaty with Chechnya.

50.  I know the Russian leadership was informed by the Americans.