General Aleksandr Lebed, a leader of the Congress of Russian Communities (KRO) political movement, told a Stavropol audience that the Congress' main task was to "restore Russia's single defense space within its historic borders: the Russian Empire and the USSR." But "the restoration of a... MORE

The UN-mediated inter-Tajik negotiations in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat formally convened November 30, but have yet to begin in practice. Their start has been foiled by continuing operations of government troops, with Russian support, against resistance forces in Pamir foothill areas, in violation of the cease-fire... MORE

At its general assembly held outside Armenia this week, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutiun pledged in a policy statement to "maintain its commitment to the Armenian people's territorial claims" and claims of compensation against Turkey, dating back to World War I; and to "continue developing relations... MORE

Georgian president Eduard Shevardnadze yesterday decreed a new structure and operating rules for the country's cabinet of ministers. The decree abolishes the position of prime minister and subordinates the ministers directly to the president, turning the cabinet into an advisory body. Also yesterday, Shevardnadze signed... MORE

The OSCE's Permanent Council adopted in Budapest yesterday a resolution expressing concern over lack of progress in implementing past OSCE decisions regarding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldova and a political settlement of the Transdniester conflict. The Council "urged the Russian Federation to put... MORE

The December 10 by-elections will decide whether the Belarus parliament will be able to muster a quorum. Failure to elect at least 35 deputies would give President Aleksandr Lukashenko the pretext he is seeking to impose direct presidential rule, despite the absence of any such... MORE

The Duma yesterday passed a compromise version of a production-sharing law worked out by a reconciliation committee. The law is expected to boost investment in Russia's raw materials sector, primarily the oil and gas industry. The law was passed by 242 votes, with 27 votes... MORE

The left-of-center National Conciliation Bloc (NCB) yesterday fell one vote short of obtaining parliamentary approval for a government headed by Zedonis Cevers of the Owners' Democratic Party. The voting was 50 in favor, 45 against, and 5 abstentions; a minimum of 51 votes would have... MORE

Forty-five empty seats in Ukraine's 450-seat parliament are at stake in the December 10 by-elections. The Communist Party, fielding the largest proportionate number of candidates, could increase its already significant strength in parliament, adding to the weight those seeking to stop the reforms and reorient... MORE

Although it has now been adopted by the Duma, the 1996 federal budget still has to be approved by the Federation Council, or upper house of parliament. The government is hoping the incumbent Council will find time to debate and approve the budget before its... MORE