Q-DIFFERENCE INTERTWINING-OPERATORS FOR U(Q)(SL(N)) - GENERAL SETTINGAND THE CASE N=3

We construct representations pi(r) of the quantum algebra U(q)(sl(n)) labelled by n - 1 complex numbers r(i) and acting in the space of form al power series of n(n-1)/2 non-commuting variables. These variables g enerate a flag manifold of the matrix quantum group SL(q)(n) which is dual to U(q)(sl(n)). The conditions for reducibility of pi(r) and the procedure for the construction of the q-difference intertwining operat ors are given. The representations and q-difference intertwining opera tors are given in the most explicit form for n = 3.