POPULAR PROTESTS IN RYAZAN AND VORONEZH.

Residents of Ryazan, close to Moscow, have taken to the streets and signed petitions in protest against the usurpation of their civil rights by the city council. They are angry because the Communist-dominated council has decided that in future it, and not the local population, will elect the mayor of the city. (Russian Radio, July 15) Meanwhile, democratic organizations in Voronezh oblast in central Russia have appealed to President Yeltsin to dismiss the regional governor. They say the incumbent is so unpopular and inefficient that, unless he is replaced quickly, the disgruntled population will turn to a Communist candidate in next December’s gubernatorial election. (Interfax, July 10)

Ukraine to Introduce Emergency Measures.