RUSSIA : General in Chechnya Reportedly Replaced

President Boris N. Yeltsin reportedly replaced his hard-line commander in Chechnya, in what may have been a move toward fulfilling his campaign promise to end the unpopular war in the separatist republic. Russian Television, citing military sources, said Lt. Gen. Vyacheslav Tikhomirov was replaced by Lt. Gen. Konstantin Kulikovsky, deputy commander of the North Caucasus military district. Tikhomirov, who was appointed in January, has taken a hard line in the military campaign in Chechnya. His removal could be intended as a sign to the rebels of Moscow’s increased eagerness to end the nearly 19-month-old war.