q-difference intertwining operators for U_q(sl(n)): general setting and the case n=3

We construct representations $\hat\pi_{\br}$ of the quantum algebra $U_q(sl(n))$ labelled by $n-1$ complex numbers $r_i$ and acting in the space of formal power series of $n(n-1)/2$ non-commuting variables. These variables generate a flag manifold of the matrix quantum group $SL_q(n)$ which is dual to $U_q(sl(n))$. The conditions for reducibility of $\hat\pi_{\br}$ and the procedure for the construction of the $q$ - difference intertwining operators are given. The representations and $q$ - difference intertwining operators are given in the most explicit form for $n=3$. In the Note Added some general results for arbitrary $n$ are given.