LOBBYISTS: A NEW POWER ON THE RUSSIAN SCENE.

Russian lobbyists now exert moreinfluence on the Russian government than do Duma deputies or the country’spolitical parties, Duma Social Organizations Committee chairman VladimirLepekhin told Rossiiskie vesti May 6. Those tied to the banks or to otherlarge businesses can use their extensive financial resources to influence allpolicy choices. Because of this, Lepekhin called for a law to regulate theiractivities.

Russia Restores Defense Industry Ties With Bulgaria.