…PASSES PRIVATIZATION LAW.

On June 24 the Duma approved a new law which lays down the procedures for the future privatization of state property. Since the Duma approved the voucher privatization program in 1992, all subsequent sales have proceeded under government decree. The new law bars loan-share auctions, tightens penalties for non-fulfillment of investment promises by new owners, and creates a list of strategic enterprises which can only be privatized with a special federal law. The law was drafted by Pavel Bunich, a member of the "Russia is Our Home" faction. (NTV, 24 June)

Maskhadov Gets Hot-Line.