Sir, - With news coming through of massacres, mass rape and the destruction of towns in Chechnya. we in Ireland are faced with a truly appalling prospect. When the dust has settled over Chechnya, and Russia has been re-admitted to Partnership for Peace, we will have international obligations to assist in the defence of a state that is presently pursuing a campaign of genocide comparable to that practised by the Yugoslav state in Kosovo last year. A sobering thought for those politicians who were in such a hurry to join Partnership for Peace. - Yours, etc.,
Ciaran Mc Kenna, Clanbrassil Street, Dublin 8.