INTELLIGENCE SERVICES ORDERED TO PROMOTE "TECHNOLOGICAL REARMAMENT"…

According to reports of the Security Council meeting, Yeltsin identified Russia’s deteriorating technical and intellectual base as a threat to national security. He ordered Russia’s intelligence services to promote the country’s "technological rearmament" by better exploiting the information they have gathered. Yeltsin also alleged that foreign intelligence services have increased industrial espionage in Russia. In that vein, First Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Soskovets told the meeting that the concept of technological security in Russia encompassed all areas of the economy and everyday life. According to Soskovets, the concept includes such diverse issues as intellectual property protection and prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The Council apparently reached a decision to develop a program aimed at ensuring the country’s technological security. (3)

In related developments, Yeltsin said that responsibility for preparing a plan on development of the armed forces and their armament had been transferred to the General Staff. Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, meanwhile, was reportedly given ten days to submit a resolution on reform of the armed forces and their financing. (4)

…But Germans Fear Increased Spying Has Already Begun.