CHERNOMYRDIN UPBEAT ABOUT THE ECONOMY…

CHERNOMYRDIN UPBEAT ABOUT THE ECONOMY…

In his reportto the Duma July 19, Russian prime minister Viktor Chernomyrdinsaid that his government had turned the economy around, althoughhe regretted that the Russian people continue to suffer. He saidthat Russian monetary stabilization was taking place, that therewould be no more "Black Tuesdays" in which the rublewould collapse, and that those who opposed his policy in Chechnyawere blocking the only path to peace, and were "eager torisk other peoples’ lives too easily." He did not name names,but his remarks seemed directed at those such as defense ministerPavel Grachev who have pushed for carrying the Chechen war toa victorious conclusion.

…But Duma Opposition Not So Sure.