PROGRESS in the Chechen peace process has dramatically halted on the political and military fronts with Russia's security chief, Mr Alexander Lebed, returning to Moscow for consultations and the military commander on the ground, Gen Vyacheslav Tikhomirov, refusing to talk to his Chechen counterpart.
Tension increased further when a Chechen unit blockaded Russian troops near Grozny's northern airport in an attempt to capture the pro Moscow Chechen leader, Mr Doku Zavgayev. It is understood that Mr Zavgayev had already left for Moscow but, a serious confrontation was in progress.
Last night the Russian side was busy issuing statements claiming Chechen violations of the ceasefire which were not independently confirmed, a scenario which has been all too familiar in the past immediately prior to full scale resumptions of hostilities.
The information office of the Russian military claimed there had been more than loo attacks by Chechen rebels since the truce began, ranging from sniper fire to the seizure of weapons and ammunition from Interior Ministry troops on Minutka Square in central Grozny. Gen Tikhomirov refused to meet the Chechen commander, Mr Aslan Maskhadov, until the arms were returned.
It was emerging also that the joint Russian Chechen patrols seen as the key element in the military section of Mr Lebed's plan, were less effective than anticipated with each side suspicious of the other. The late night news on the independent NTV channel showed young Russian soldiers covering their faces from the cameras, saying they would not go on patrols with the rebels.
Mr Lebed and Mr Maskhadov were due to meet early yesterday in the village of Novye Atagi, south of Grozny, in what was anticipated to be a formal encounter in which a peace treaty would be signed.
But the meeting did not take place and Mr Lebed left for Moscow saying he, needed to consult the Prime Minister, Mr Viktor Chernomyrdin, representatives of the foreign and nationalities ministries and if necessary, President Yeltsin. The cancellation of his meeting with Mr Maskhadov should not, he said, be linked with alleged ceasefire violations.
There are believed to be two main items at issue between the sides. Mr Lebed's plans include the freezing of Chechen independence aspirations for up to five years but the Chechens themselves are keen to hold a referendum on independence at a much earlier date.
On the military side, the Chechens want to retain control of their rebel fighters while the Russians want them to be formed into Chechen regiments of the Russian army.
Some Russian forces had begun to withdraw from the war torn region yesterday, mainly from areas in the south but troops remained in position in Grozny.
Mr Lebed is expected to return to Grozny as soon as is practicable after his Moscow meetings, but he refused to elaborate on the "legal difficulties" which forced the postponement of talks and his return to the capital.
