RUSSIANS FEAR CIVIL WAR.

Nearly half of all Russians–45percent–believe that a civil war is likely in their country,24 percent consider that unlikely, and 17 percent believe it hasalready begun, according to a poll reported in the July 25 VechernyayaMoskva. Echoing these concerns, Federation Council securitycommittee chairman Petr Shirshov told Interfax July 26 that risingpoverty could easily trigger a social upheaval in the coming months.

Russian Diplomats Warn Against Pressuring the Balts.