NEW FOREIGN TRADE LAW EXPANDS PRESIDENTIAL POWERS.

TheDuma has passed a revised law on foreign trade which gives thepresident and no one else the right to determine what goods arestrategic and hence subject to restrictions on exports, Itar-Tassreported July 8. But on July 7, Kommersant-Daily reportedthat the Russian government had sharply criticized the customsservice for failing to block $6-8 billion in illegal imports.

Duma Fails to Override Veto on Appearances Bill.