RODIONOV WANTS BALTIC GLACIS.

Russia’s new defense minister, Col. General Igor Rodionov, is on record as calling for restricting the Baltic states’ independence in matters of foreign policy and security. Baltic researchers have found an article by Rodionov in a leading Russian military journal listing six priorities for Russia’s overall security, three of which concern the Baltic states. They are: free Russian access to Baltic ports, no third-country troops on the Baltic states’ territory, and inadmissibility of Baltic accession to military alliances potentially aimed against Russia. (Voennaya mysl, May 1992, cited by BNS, July 18). Rodionov’s appointment as minister may therefore add some rigidity to Russian objections to the Baltic states’ quest for NATO membership.

Belarus Leaders Discover Moscow doesn’t Deliver.