NOMINEE ADDRESSES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN RUSSIA.

The Clinton Administration’s nominee for the post of ambassador to Russia has criticized the Russian parliament for its efforts to ban the activities of Western religious groups in Russia. (See Monitor, July 7) In confirmation hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on July 15, James Collins described the bill in question as "bad legislation" and said the U.S. would "support freedom of religion" in Russia. Collins suggested passage of the bill would harm bilateral relations between the U.S. and Russia. (AP, July 15)

Ailing Cosmonaut Adds to Mir’s Problems.