He told me that a high Kremlin official had called on him at the end of last year with a list of "desires."

Kremlin officials quickly played down suggestions that military aid might be under consideration.

They were not the only comments in which Kremlin officials have sought to distance themselves from the peace plan.

Russia experts think the investigations were organized by a small group of Kremlin officials.

"This is an issue of who will run the state," said a Kremlin official, who refused to be named.

The votes in both republics were guided by new party leaders appointed last month with the close involvement of top Kremlin officials.

So far, no charges have been filed against any Kremlin officials or others involved in the investigation.

Kremlin officials also acknowledged that their nation has been running large, undisclosed budget deficits for years.

At first, the Kremlin officials said Scott might still be alive.

Kremlin officials have ignored invitations to attend and speak at the event.