DUMA TO EXAMINE REGIONAL LAND LAW.

Russia’s State Duma has instructed three of its committees — those on agrarian issues, property and privatization, and legislation — to examine the law on land adopted last week in the first reading by the Saratov Oblast Duma. The Saratov bill seeks to legalize the free sale of agricultural land. In this, it runs counter to the federal land code adopted by parliament but vetoed by President Yeltsin. Saratov’s bill is certain to arouse strong opposition among the Communist, nationalist, and agrarian factions that dominate the federal parliament. (Itar-Tass, October 29)

Suspect Detained in St. Petersburg Assassination.