The Russian Duma serves as a convenient scapegoat or alibi for officials in both Chisinau and Moscow. Moldovan officials find it easier to blame the deadlock in Transdniester on the Duma or on the anonymous "certain forces" in Russia, rather than facing up to the... MORE

One of the first Soviet republics to free itself from Moscow's control, Moldova, sustained its independent course during the ensuing years despite Russian military intervention in Transdniester and an increasingly precarious economic situation. Recent signals from Chisinau seem, however, to suggest that the leadership's resolve... MORE

Yevgeny Primakov gave the first indications yesterday that he is contemplating a return to Russian political life. Asked about his plans, the former prime minister, who was on his way to Switzerland to receive treatment for chronic back pain and to deliver a lecture, said:... MORE

During a meeting of the Russian government today, Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin warned that if the State Duma fails to pass a package of draft laws introduced by the government he will be forced to ask for a vote of confidence (Russian agencies, June 10).... MORE

Despite the many tensions between Russia and the United States over developments in the Balkans, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov suggested in Cologne yesterday that Moscow hopes to rebuild friendly relations with Washington. Ivanov's remarks followed a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.... MORE

If all goes smoothly," the diplomats say, referring to last night's NATO-Yugoslav accord and draft resolution. But a number of potential problems lie on the immediate horizon. Some are related to the very ambiguity of the UN Security Council resolution. Painstakingly crafted to satisfy the... MORE

The U.S. military experts visiting Moscow today are likely to get a taste of Russia's unhappiness over the Kosovo peace plan. To date, the U.S. and other NATO governments have made clear that the international security force being deployed in Kosovo must--whatever its formal subordination--be... MORE

Diplomatic efforts to advance the Kosovo peace process moved forward on several different fronts yesterday. The key development was an agreement reached in Kumanovo, Macedonia between senior NATO and Yugoslav military representatives. The accord, finalized only after arduous negotiations, sets out the timetable and other... MORE

Significant casualties of these elections included Parvir Hayrikian's Self-Determination Union (SDU), former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratian's Liberty Party and Eduard Yeghorian's Homeland Party. Each of these parties stand for free-market economics, a democratic political system, independence from Russia and a Western orientation in foreign policy.... MORE

Five other parties overcame the 5-percent threshold and gained representation in Armenia's parliament. After the results of the races in single-mandate constituencies were added, the Communist Party led by Sergei Badalian ended up with ten seats, the Right and Accord bloc of Karabakh Defense Minister... MORE