FRED CUNY, M.I.A.?

U.S. officials disclosed that a body found inChechnyamay be the remains of Fred Cuny, a noted U.S. relief expert who had disappeared in the region more than a month ago. But the mystery behind Cuny's disappearance only deepened today, as family members claimed the Russian government was stonewalling searchers. Last night, U.S. officials said two boys in a village near Grozny had discovered a corpse vaguely matching his description with two gunshots to the head. The search has received priority attention in the U.S. since Cuny -- who has ties to high officials -- and three Russian companions vanished Apr. 9. President Clinton personally reassured Cuny's relatives during his trip to Moscow last week.