BELARUSANS MARCH IN FIRST PROTEST SINCE LUKASHENKO’S COUP.

Some 3,000 people rallied yesterday in central Minsk for democracy and national independence and against "dictatorship." The lawful parliament’s chairman, Syamyon Sharetski, together with senior MPs and Popular Front leaders addressed the demonstrators, who also marched to the Russian embassy to protest against Moscow’s official support for President Aleksandr Lukashenko. OMON units flanked the unauthorized demonstration. The protest leaders announced the formation of a committee to defend democracy and appealed for international support. (Belaplan, Western agencies, December 8-9)

Signs of Apprehension in Moscow Over Nomination of Albright, Others.