"SEPARATIST" REGIONS SUPPORT CHERNOMYRDIN BLOC.

Fourrepublics that have special accords on power-sharing with Moscow–Tatarstan,Bashkortostan, Kabardino-Balkariya, and North Ossetia–are amongthe strongest backers of Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin’selectoral bloc "Russia is Our Home," Vek (no.29) reported. The paper suggested that their support both reflectedthe deal their elites have worked out with Moscow, and also openedthe way for further demands from other regions as the price fortheir support of the premier in the upcoming elections.

Astrakhan Seeks Special Status.