The U.S. would like once again to call upon the Russian Federation to initiate a political dialogue with a view to finding a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Chechnya.

Toward this end, we again urge Russia to avail itself of the opportunities provided by the OSCE's Assistance Group, and to engage the OSCE to assist in a political solution in Chechnya, as called for in the Istanbul Declaration to which we all agreed.

In the light of some recent assertions about the AG by the Russian Federation, I want to set the record straight on several points.

First, the AG's mandate explicitly authorizes it to "promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis...and pursue dialogue and negotiations." There is, unfortunately, no basis to suggest that the AG has already fulfilled this aspect of its mandate.

Second, the mandate states that the AG is to enjoy "all possible freedom of movement on the territory of the Chechen Republic and also on the territory of neighboring subjects of the Russian Federation." Thus, there are no grounds to assert that the AG is only authorized to operate on the territory of Chechnya.

The AG's mandate was approved in April 1995 by this Council. It remains in effect.

Madame Chairperson, the U.S. remains deeply concerned by the fate of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Andrei Babitsky. As Freimut Duve and others have noted, incomplete and contradictory explanations by Russian Government spokesmen have only clouded the picture and increased anxiety about Babitsky's fate.

Trading a journalist for Russian soldiers in Chechnya is inconsistent with Russia's commitments and obligations regarding the treatment of noncombatants, and it sends a very disturbing message about its view of press freedom. It is clear from media commentary in Moscow that Russian journalists share our concern.

We call on the Government of Russia to investigate this case on an urgent basis and provide a credible explanation of Mr. Babitsky's whereabouts.

Finally, we also urge an impartial, transparent investigation of alleged atrocities committed against civilians in Groznyy, Alkhan-Yurt and elsewhere in Chechnya.