RUSSIAN REGIONS DEMAND EXPANDED ROLE IN TRADE, TAXES.

Russian regions–especially in Siberia–are pressing for an expansion of their role in conducting foreign trade, Russian television said June 19. The regional authorities believe that they should not have to go through Moscow when they deal with foreign firms or governments. The regions also want expanded control over tax collections and the right to raise new kinds of levies, now that Moscow has canceled their right to collect certain taxes which had supported local operations in the past, Rossiiskie vesti said June 17.

More Papers Closing in the Provinces.