RUSSIANS, CHECHENS WITHDRAW BIG GUNS

Russians and Chechens have agreed to silence their heavy artillery starting tomorrow as a prelude to a broader ceasefire to be discussed later this week. The agreement was reached today after five hours of talks between top Russian and Chechen officials. It follows the nearly complete destruction of the Chechen capital, Grozny, and the widening of the battle into the surrounding region. In the last week, Chechens have returned to Grozny only to find their town in ruins. The truce reached today bars both sides from using air power, grenade launchers and other heavy artillery.