Chechen Leaders Threaten To Block Visit By Yeltsin

Chechen leaders threatened Sunday to block an upcoming trip by Russian President Boris Yeltsin unless he comes as the head of a foreign state, a Russian news agency reported.

The southern republic of Chechnya has been trying for months to gain some recognition of independence from Russia, which insists that Chechnya remains a part of Russia.

Chechens have considered themselves independent since their 1994-96 war with Russia, even though no country has recognized that status. Chechens largely have been running their own affairs.

Yeltsin announced Friday that he plans to visit Chechnya in January, although Interior Minister Anatoly Kulikov stressed the trip could take place only under the “necessary security conditions.” Presumably, Chechen leaders could block the trip by failing to supply security guarantees.

Yeltsin said he wants to use the trip to sort out the problems plaguing Chechnya’s economy and the use of Russian financial aid.