BELARUSAN EX-CHIEF BANKER RELEASED PENDING TRIAL.

The KGB of Belarus on November 8 released Tamara Vinnikava on recognizance, pending trial. Vinnikava, former chairwoman of the Belarus National Bank, had been in investigative detention since January, 1997, on charges of abuse of office in her earlier capacity as head of the Belarus Commercial Bank. The charges against Vinnikava have been repeatedly revised and her detention extended. As a result, Vinnikava’s health has deteriorated and she has required hospitalization. (Belapan, November 8)

Protests Cease but Problems Persist in Kazakhstan.