For several days there has been quite intensive fighting,

[The Kremlin said Yeltsin was committed to the deal, however.] President Yeltsin states clearly and unequivocally that he is an initiator of the unification of the two fraternal states and their peoples, a consistent and firm supporter of it, ... It is a geopolitical necessity and an economic reality.

The very suggestion of plans to create some counter-blocs are wrong and counter-productive.

absolutely groundless, idle inventions.

One can hardly imagine a more ridiculous and absurd interpretation.

I think visits to Chechen territory of lords and other delegations from the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe should naturally be stopped.