RUSSIA’S JUSTICE MINISTER WARNS REGIONS TO TOE THE LINE.

Russian justice minister Valentin Kovalev has warned the governors of Rostov, Chelyabinsk, and Smolensk oblasts, as well as of the Chukchi, Evenki, Komi-Permyak, Taimyr, and Ust Orda Buryat Autonomous okrugs, that legislation adopted in their regions contravenes the Russian constitution and must be brought into line with it. (Rossiiskie vesti, February 27) Last week Yeltsin gave the Republic of Udmurtia ten days to bring its legislation on local government into conformity with the constitution; his move was seen as an effort to use Udmurtia as an example for other headstrong regions.

Kokoshin: Military Will Have to Wait for New Weapons.