CHERNOMYRDIN TO SPEAK TO DUMA.

In preparation for his speechto the Russian parliament July 19, Premier Viktor Chernomyrdintold Kommersant (no. 26) that he believed that his governmenthad made enormous progress in turning the Russian economy around.And he suggested that questions about his and the government’slack of popularity now reflected this progress: "If journalistsbegin to talk about the government’s popularity, we have achievedsomething after all." After his speech, the Duma will considerthe nomination of Tatyana Paramonova to be head of the RussianCentral Bank. Interfax reported July 18 that the latest surveyof deputies suggests she will be confirmed.

Chechen Court Case Continues.