WASHINGTON -- The United States has taken a largely hands-off view of Moscow's handling of the outbreak of violence in the breakaway area of Chechnya.


"We view the conflict as an internal Russian affair," State Department deputy spokesperson Christine Shelly told reporters.


"Chechnya is a substate entity," she said. "It's a republic within the Russian Federation; it's not an independent state, as you know. It declared its independence from Russia in November 1991."


The civil war in the secessionist area threatened to enter a dangerous new phase Tuesday when President Boris Yeltsin declared he would impose a state of emergency and use all necessary force if the fighting did not stop by Thursday. However, after the expiration of the deadline, Yeltsin reissued the ultimatum without referring to possible imposition of a state of emergency.


Asked to disclose Washington's view of Yeltsin's threat to use force, Shelly said, "It's a source of concern for him, and he's reacting to the events that are emanating from there."


She added, "We hope that order can be maintained in a manner that minimizes violence and respects the law -- and also, of course, the human rights of all the people concerned."


In Ankara, Turkey voiced concern the conflict could spread, and asked all sides to seek a political solution.


"We call on all sides concerned to find legitimate political solutions through negotiations, and within the framework of Russia's territorial integrity and human rights," it said.