By empty (4/1/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The Russian General Staff announced on 1 April that the navy will hold military exercises in the Indian Ocean next month, Interfax reported. On 8-10 April, two naval groups of the Pacific and Black Sea fleets will depart for the region. Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov repeated in a 31 March interview denials that the exercises are connected to the U.

By empty (4/1/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer told Interfax on 1 April that the planned amnesty for Chechen fighters could expedite a political solution to the Chechen conflict by encouraging fighters to return to civilian life. He proposed that the amnesty be extended to as many people as possible, both Chechens and Russian servicemen, with the exception of those from both sides who have committed crimes against humanity. Schwimmer also spoke in favor of negotiations between Russian representatives and Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov.

By empty (4/1/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Azerbaijan\'s Court for Serious Crimes passed sentence on 1 April on 15 people in connection with the June 2002 clashes between police and residents of the village of Nardaran on the outskirts of Baku. Islamic Party of Azerbaijan Chairman Alikram Aliev was sentenced to nine years in a strict-regime prison, Djabrail Alizade to eight years, Khikmet Veliev and Etibar Zakiev to seven years, and Mirza-aga Movlanov and Ilgar Abdullaev to five years\' imprisonment. Nine other men were given suspended sentences.