NORTHERN PEOPLES DEMAND MORE RIGHTS.

The 26 numerically small peoples of the Russian north are demanding that the Duma pass a law on their status that would protect their traditional way of life, Moscow radio reported June 1. Conditions among these groups have deteriorated in the last five years, creating a “potentially explosive situation,” Trud said May 19. Some local Russian authorities have moved to head off the problem: In Tryumen oblast, for example, the Russian government has established a special fund for the native peoples and has set aside a certain number of seats for them in the local government.

Germans, Canadians Back Estonians for NATO.