BELARUSAN DEFENSE MINISTER DISMISSED.

President Aleksandr Lukashenko has dismissed Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Leanid Maltsau for being drunk during a reception at which he was unable to read a prepared speech. Some local — including military — observers surmise that the president set up the general, who had reportedly disagreed with Lukashenko over military issues. Lukashenko has appointed first deputy defense minister and chief of the general staff, Lt. Gen. Aleksandr Chumakov, as acting minister. (Belaplan, November 1, 2)

Chernomyrdin Reassures Paratroopers.