Russia: May 5, 2000

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The 42nd infantry division, designated as the permanent garrison for Chechnya, will be formed in June and undergo several months of training before going to Chechnya. The current force of over 100,000 men in the province will be withdrawn as soon as the active rebels have been killed, captured or enticed to surrender. Many officers and men already in Chechnya want to join the 42nd division, which will probably receive higher pay and other benefits. The Russian navy has sold China the 40,000 ton aircraft carrier Kiev (which has been mothballed for six years.) The ship can carry 12 fixed wing warplanes and 21 helicopters.