Split surfaces between warlords in Chechnya

Chechen warlords have begun seeking ways of voluntary surrender to the federal forces. A representative of the regional operative headquarters for control of the antiterrorist operation in the Northern Caucasus said that purposeful conduct of special operations and explanatory work done among the locals prompt some militants to give up armed resistance. He said that contacts have been established with "brigadier generals" from among the company of remaining chiefs of illegal armed formations. A possibility of their voluntary surrender to the federal authorities is being discussed through go-betweens. Simultaneously, another part of them go on preparing acts of terrorism and other crimes, as well as producing moral and psychological pressure on the population and preventing its cooperation with the federals. The source said that some populated places in the Shali district are again registering facts of extremists' physical maltreatment of officials in the local administrative structures and of residents who assist the federal forces in restoring the constitutional law and order in Chechnya.