LUKASHENKO WANTS CLOSE TIES TO U.S.

Belarusian presidentAleksandr Lukashenko told visiting National Security Council stafferCoit Blacker that Minsk wants close ties with the United Statesand hopes for more American assistance, Sovetskaya Belorussiyareported June 29. Lukashenko also said that because of its currenteconomic difficulties, Belarus would be unable to give up anyweapons without compensation. In another move on the same date,Lukashenko told Vo slavu Rodiny that he had fired his defenseminister for corruption.

Kuchma Insists on His Powers.