FEDERATION COUNCIL REJECTS LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL.

The FederationCouncil rejected a Duma-passed bill which would have establishedclear rules for the operation of local and regional governments,Interfax reported July 6. The senators took this step becausemany of them are regional officials who have benefited from theloose arrangements which have been in place up to now. Any changewould lessen their freedom of maneuver and hence power.

Prosecutors Focus on Two Duma Deputies.