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Daily Report Central Eurasia FBIS-SOV-94-250 CONTENTS 29 December 1994 INTERREGIONAL AFFAIRS CIS Customs Union May Start Operating in Early 1996 /ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA 27 Dec] ........0.000000+ I ee Ry ey IN RIND IIE BF HIE sinseccaseciuschcasbcsscscastneaaessss brsamsadandieptcteaconeencebeedia sak accanecineanrineitadau ] RUSSIA INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Washington, Moscow Disagree on Arms Treaty Changes /I/TAR-TASS] ......cccccccccsseececceseeseessesceaceeeeseeeseaces 3 Relations With ROK, DPRK Assessed /Moscow International] .........ccccccsccscessesecseessecsesesescceceeseccsecescescess 3 Calls for Dismantling Korea’s 38th-Parallel Wall /PRAVDA 27 Dec] ...cccccccsccssscsessesseseescesecscescesceececeeeeeees 4 Details of Agreements Signed with India /ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI 27 Dec] ......ccccccsssessees ceseescseeseessseeeeeeees 4 Holy See Appoints New Envoy to Moscow [IZVESTIYA 29 Dec] ....cccccccscccsssescecscesceescescesecesecsasssceccesececees 5 Jordan, Syria Favor Dialogue To Settle Chechen Crisis /I1TAR-TASS)] ....cccccccccsssecsceeseeseessesseccesccesseateacees 5 Work Continues on MiG Contract With Malaysia /INTERFAX] ......ccccccccccccscceccecceeesceesceesceesseesseesccesceeees 6 Azerbaijan, Georgia Border Restrictions Lifted /ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA 29 Dec] -.ccccccccccsssseeseceeseeseeees 6 Moscow’s Reaction Neutral on Karabakh Presidency /INTERFAX] .........ccccccsccsssesseseceecesseeseeeceeacenseesteseees 6 International Congress on Reunification Held in Moscow [INTERFAX] ...cccccccccsssssessesscesceseatesceesceceseensees 7 Russian Rockets Te Launch U.S. Satellites (ITAR-TASS] ..........0csscsssssssssnsevoveressesssssseansscnsessecsesscssesecssoceces 7 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS Political Issues Kozyrev on Chechnya, 1994 Foreign Policy [Moscow TV] .......c.scccsssscsscsesecccsssscssssecessssessecesscecssens 8 ee Ge II INI SUOMI «vic scccchsetissienientasthineonmsabsnnmeiencuiaonaeineesmaniaieamabauniens 9 Communist Sees Conflict Turn ‘Ethnic, Religious’ /INTERFAX] o......cccccccccccesscesseeeecesseeesccesceceenses 9 Russia’s Choice Member Leaves Rights Commission /INTERFAX] u..........cccccsscceceseesseceeececcsceeeseeee 9 “CARD GE VORRIN Tee Come Ure CIUUITI «EINTRAG ccccocincesincecnscccencescnssespasensaesssnbainnsschnceninasorines 9 Rybhin Sepports Pimmeed Elections [INTEREAND ocvssccccccscsccccvescscssssssnnssssescsnsncssecssnsscencsesoasscsecnsense 10 Yeltsin Aides Deny Own Resignation Plans /INTERFAX] ...........cccccccsssceeessseceesseeeceseceececseeceeeeesecenes 10 Yeltsin Administration Seen as ‘Dying’ /London THE TIMES 29 Dec] .....cccccccssssscsseesecseceseersceeeees 10 Yeltsin: ‘Duty’ of Russians To Help Chechens /ITAR-TASS] .0.....:cccsssccssscsesceesseeesteceseecessceesseceesecees 11 Yelena Bonner Resigns From Chechnya Commission /INTERFAX] .........cccccccccscccessscceeesseeceeseeeceees 11 Grachev Announces Cuts, Gets No Vo'unteers /KOMSOMOLSKAYA PRAVDA 29 Dec] ..........0+- 11 Yeltsin, Kovalev Statements Seen To Differ /IZVESTIYVA 30 Dec] ....ccccccccsccccssecesscessceeeceeereeeeseceees 12 Cyprus-Based Firm Sends Arms to Chechnya /ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA 28 Dec] .....ccccccccceceeeeeeeee 13 Migration Service Reports Refugee Increase /ITAR-TASS] ..........ccccscccsssscsssscsssccsssscssscceserceeesceseneeenss 13 Moscow Sees No Chechnya, Bus Explosion Link /ITAR-TASS] ........cccccccsssccsesssseeessneeeceeeeeeeeceeeeeeees 13 Chechnya Receives Regular Paper Delivery /ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA 28 Dec] .....ccccccccccecccesseeeees 13 Additional Moscow Papers Sent /ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI 29 Dec] .....ccccccscccssssceseeceeeeceeseeeneees 14 Yakubovskiy’s Attorney Addresses Press /ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA 29 DOC] .....ccccccccscscsseeesseeeeseees 14 Economic Issues Chernomyrdin Urges ‘Shifting’ To Manage Economy /I1TAR-TASS] ....ccccccccsccccsscseeseseecseeseecenseeeneeee 15 Rybkin Voices Support for Currency Amnesty /INTERFAX] ......cc.sscccssccssssssscscsesscesscssescssesessenseesnnes 15 Fedorov Sees 1994 as ‘Unsuccessful’ Economic Year CV ATA Tree OE Te GEE Be OE eiscestcnssensntisnrsstinieatnasnsinriananannninrnnsmnctnemasstiannes 15 Finance Ministry on Chechnya Expenditures /ITAR-TASS] ........cccccsccssssssssceeeseecenseesecesesenseneeeeseeennes 16 Minister on Importance of Chechnya Oilfields /ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA 28 Dec] .......cccccccce0000+ 16 Sele COG Be CR GN EC TR | orcecteciecrntenettcientiteniinincetniormntnnnaenpiniancninninn 16 Government on Issuance of Short-Term Bonds [INTERFAX] ........:cccscccscsesseesseesseesceenseeaeeetececeeenenees 17 Official on Grain Imports, Agriculture Support /ITAR-TASS] .....ccccccccccssccesseeeeseceeseeeeneeeceeeecceeeenenees 17 FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 2 Central Eurasia Military & Space Issues PUORs HOCTr TOSS RameOR TI TA cccccnsssiciccenscciensnscenscssessavissssavsniisninsaunnmeeviesiunennions 17 Defense Ministry Satellite Reaches Orbit INTERFAX] | ...ciscscscccsscssscsssssssssorscssssesssssecesessosssesscesesesses 18 Regional Affairs Dudayev Consents to Unconditional Talks /Moscow Radio] ..........sccsscsscssessessesserceccereencsscenceneeecences 18 Air Force Uses Laser-Guided Missiles in Chechnya [INTERFAX] ..........c.cccsccssssscssesssssessseceseeesencenss 18 Stepashin, Yegorov on ‘Ultimatum,’ Media Issues /IZVESTIYA 29 Dec] .......s..s.cssssssssssssssssessescssees 18 Groznyy Residents React to Yeltsin Address [IZVESTIYA 29 Dec] ..cc.scssccsscssssssssssssssessesssessssssessee 19 Crisis Defines Federal Assembly Weaknesses /ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI 28 Dec] sscieihnineienianniiaaianiasabiiionan 19 Lebed Criticizes Chechnya Military Operations /INTERFAX] ...........cssccsscsssssssescessesscecesseeseeeneencees 20 Oversight Panel Holds First Conference /IZVESTIYA 28 Dec] ....... canianninigen S ceneiinessinunsnibiinmenatioonesin 21 Ministry on End to Bombing Raids //TAR-TASS)_........ iepitenniemdecnestalibiechieainninbicaiati 21 Official Denies Groznyy Assault has Begun [Moscow Radio] .........s.scssssssssssssssecesssceeceesseeneeees 21 Government Issues Situation Statement /ITAR-TASS] ........sssssssssssscsssssssseescsssscesessssceseeeeeees 22 Chechen Notes Unsuccessful Groznyy Raid [MOSCOW R@diO] ..........sssscssssssssessessscssessescseeseeees 22 Moscow Said To Exaggerate Casualty Count /NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA PD sehsusinin 22 Chechen Deputy on Casualty Figures /Moscow Radio] ........cc.cssccsssesserissssessessesecesseeesesseeseenees 23 Migration Service Gives Refugee Details /ITAR-TASS] .........ccsccsssssessesscsscsscssceseeseseesseeseeceesees 23 Moscow Residents Withhold Comment on MVD Patrols /[KRASNAYA ZVEZDA 28 Dec] ............ 23 ‘Observers’ Tie Bombings to Special Services /[SEGODNYA 29 Dec] ...,..c.ccscccsscssssessessessessseeesscenees 24 Official on Russians Targeted by ‘Commandos’ [INTERFAX] .0........ccscsssssscsscssssesseseeeeseeeeeees 24 Ministry Asks Journalists To Maintain Secrets [INTERFAX] ....c.c.ccscssssssssssssssssscssssssscsscsscsceneecsneees 25 FCS Investigates Dudayev’s Media Support [Moscow TV] .......cscccccsssssessescessesesscessecesseesesseeseeceesenses 25 Media Calls To Publicize ‘Vendible’ Journalists /I1TAR-TASS] .........ccsscssssssssessessssescencesceseesceecenceees 25 Journalist Denies Media Financing //TAR-TASS] seoniighieeimasssntbieeiniainiiiiienibiteensananinisinlneiv 25 Duma Takes no ‘Separate Steps’ on Chechen Issue /ITAR-TASS] ......scsssssssesssssssssssssssssssensscssasensenes 26 Deputy Defends Kovalev, Quits Commissions /[SEGODNYA 29 Dec] .......s.ccsssssssseecsssessessesseeeenceees 26 Official on Renewal of Some Rail Links /ITAR-TASS] ......c..ccscsssssssssssssssssessssssscsssssseessssesceseaceeeecesees 26 Karelians on Methods for Chechnya Settlement /INTERFAX] risintanibiananeinheingten 27 Oil Pipelines Break in Tyumen /SEGODNYA 28 Dec] .....s.cssccssrsscsssssssseccsscsssecccscseccsecsessecssecsescsenses 27 Usinsk Spill Cleanup Continues /NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA 28 De@c] .......csssccssessessessesesees 27 UKRAINE International Affairs Mexico Announces Dumping Probe ‘Violations’ /INFOBANK] ..........sc.ssssssssssssssssessssceesesssscecceseecees 29 Moscow Mayo1’s ‘Unfriendly’ Statements Protested /URYADOVYY KURYER 27 Dec] ................. 29 Arrangements for Buying Gag from Russia [UNIAN] .:..cscccccscsccsreccessescccesescsesccssesccssccecsssecscesesessesses 29 Belarus Speaker Urges Work. on Friendship Pact /Minsk Radio] .........c.sccsscsscsssssscsssessceseessceneeesenees 29 SG “TURE CED FE senenclnnininninnemindinminetmnvncniniin 30 National Affairs Public Representatives Issue Chechnya Appeal to UN /URYADOVYY KURYER 27 Dec] ............. 30 Foreign Minister Views NATO Expansion Issues /HOLOS UKRAYINY 23 Dec] ........:.scssscsssseseees 30 New Constitution Expected by March 1995 /[HOLOS UKRAYINY 24 Dec] ...s..c0.sssssccssssssssssersssnees 31 Poll: Majority of Crimeans Favor Restoring USSR /UNIAR] asianiiineiiandiiaeel 32 Crimean Groups Protest Western Influence /INTELNEWS] ......c.cs.ssssscsssssssssssssssssssssessssssscsssssessscees 32 National Bank Clarifies Monetary Emission Reports //NFOBANK] ... WESTERN REGION Belarus Lukashenka Delivers National Address /Minsk Radio] sa 33 Speaks on CIS, Presidential Powers (Bratislava Radio] aidinenentidatiientenneiionil 36 Official Denies S-300 ‘Sellout of Russian Secrets’ /INTERFAX] ianadetediiaasdts aneciiabinniiasnnntints 37 FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 3: Central Eurasia Weapons Thefts, Sales Seen To Increase [IZVESTIYA 28 Dec] .......:ccsssscsessssesssecsssneeseneesseceeeeeeneees 37 Journalists Concerned Over Blank Papers, Firing /Minsk Radio] ..........:ccccsscscsessseeseeseeeseeseceneeseenees 37 Editors’ Organization Forms, Names Head [Minsk Radio] ...........:.ccssssssessesseeecseneesseseeseensesseneessenees 38 Moldova 1995 Budget Provides for ‘Moderate’ Deficit /INFOTAG] ..........:..scsccssssssssssssssssssssersceeseressssseesensenss 38 PCM Elects Central Committee, Defines Issues /INFOTAG] .........c.cscsscsssssssessceseesecssesceeeesesensenseees 38 Parliament Adopts Gagauzia ‘Special Status’ /INFOTAG] ...........ccccssccsssscssssssssssscesscscsseseseseesenecenseees 39 RI HUI III, CT sci ciscsentsnennensnesecnnrenenenesenesvnnansnnsnennansnmunnsnceunnenesatisn 40 IE Be Ce RO CR TMD ocecccacecccccccsececseccsseseccsscenesecnecesanecssserenenecennes 40 CIS Delegation, Officials Discuss Driester /INFOTAG] .........ccssccsscssssssssssseccscesesecssecesecseeenseesseentes 40 Viktorov Wants Russian, CSCE Guarantees /INFOTAG] .........:cccscccssssescseseeecsesssesneeenseeeneenees 41 Sees Dniester Area Situation ‘Favorable’ /ITAR-TASS] ..........s.ssccsssssssessesssscessssesescsscseseeneeeens 41 CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan Nazarbayev Stresses Preserving Interethnic Accord [Almaty RGdid] .........ccccccsscesseceseeeseeeesneeeseenesees 42 President Discusses Reforms, Chechnya With Yeltsin /ITAR-TASS] ........:cccccssssssssssseesceeeereeeseeeenees ao Muslim Board Appeals for End to Chechnya Bloodshed /YEGEMEN KAZAKHSTAN 22 Dec] ...... 42 Kyrgyzstan Officials Running For Supreme Council Dismissed [Bishkek Radio] .........c.:ccccssssssesessssseseceseeeeseeess 42 President Names New Leader for Osh Region [Bishkek Radio] ..........:ssssesscesseeseesesceeeseessecsseneees 43 “Legacy of Tribaliem’ im Political Systems fINTERPAA] ...........0cccccccccccesesscccssssssccosesccccncssssecosonccsoecees 43 Tajikistan Premier Signs Trade Agreements in Uzbekistan [Dushanbe Radio] .........cc.scscsccsscesseseeecseseeseeeeseeeses 43 Opposition Involvement in Chechnya Denied /HOLOS UKAYINY 27 Dec] ......:c.ccsscssescesseesseeseeees 43 Additional Ministerial Appointments Reported /Dushanbe Radio] .............ccssccssseeseseesceeeeesneeeeees 44 Biography of Tajik President's Political Adviser /LENINABADSKAYA PRAVDA 21 Dec] .........-++- 44 New Currency To Be Set at Parity With Russian Ruble /Dushanbe Radio] ..............ccs0scssesseseeesees 44 Construction of Pendzhikent-Samarkand Railroad Begins (Dushanbe Radio] ..............sssseseeeee 45 Turkmenistan President Appoints New Deputy Premier /TURKMEN PRESS] ........::-sccssssssssssssseessesseeeseeseeeeeeneees 45 Edict Bans Alternatives to Military Service /TURKMEN PRESS] .........::c:ccssssesssesseeseceeseeeeeeesseeeees 45 Professional Servicemen Can Now Serve Longer /TURKMEN PRESS] ........s-scsssccssssssesseesseseeeseeees 46 Edict Issued on Minimum Wages, Pensions /TURKMEN PRESS] .........:c.ssssesssessesseeseeeseseeeeeeseenee 46 CAUCASUS Armenia Republic Joins CSCE Computer Network /ARAGIL ELECTRONIC NEWS BULLETIN} ...........- 47 Central Bank Limits Russian Ruble Circulation [SNARK] ........:cccsscsssessseeessesseessceeneeeeeeeeeenneeeeeeseeees 47 Freight Not Affected by Russian Border Closure [Yerevan Radio] .........c.:csssssessssessesessesesseseeseesenenees 47 New Karabakh ‘President’ Comments on Future Plans /NOYAN TAPAN)] .......:..:ccscsceseseeseeseseeseeeees 47 New Nagorno-Karabakh ‘Premier’ Profiled /ARAGIL ELECTRONIC NEWS BULLETIN) .......... 48 Karabakh ‘Minister’ Willing To Negotiate [SNARK] ...............ccccccccccsrsccssscsccsscccssescccccscssccssseccsseneses 48 Ter-Petenmven Gunpendis Gapoaition Party LAP EF acccccsceccsccneccesscssccsscsssscsenesccnsssessszescnssnnasenseccencsencees 48 Authorities Said Trying To Discredit ARF /NOYAN TAPAN] .......ccccscsssssesseesseesscecseceeseneseeneeseeseees 48 Resigned Deputies Aim To ‘Restore’ Parliament /NOYAN TAPAN] ......:c:sccssssssceserseseeseseeeneenseenecees 40 Dissident ‘Deputy Assembly’ Issues Statement /NOYAN TAPAN] ........scccsssescseeseeesseereesseeeeeeseennenes 49 FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 4 Central Eurasia Azerbaijan Turkish Parliament Speaker Comments on Chechnya, Caucasus [TURAN] ......cccccsccssesseseeseeseeeeeee 50 PT, DOR TE TD FTI acces ccscccsssescsceiccecnccecesescesocessasecensssnsanensacesnees 50 Cindoruk News Conference, Departure (Baku Radio] ..........cccccccccssscesssssssccsssssssssescssceeseesssesees 51 Chechnya Events Throw Doubt on Russian Role in Caucasus [TURAN] .......cccccscssessssseeeeeeeeseeeeeees 51 Gasanov Gives Conditions for Conflict Settlement /TURAN] ......cccccccscccessesseeseeseeeeeeneeneee —alnicatiiaiaes 51 Election of Karabakh President Said ‘Provocation’ [INTERFAX] .......:..cccccccsscsssseeseeseeeeneeseeseeneenees 52 Georgia cpepety Premmner: “Copetatine’ om Ciecinem Criate FPIEIRIAD onnnacscnccccnccsevesscsecssssssavccsasenssconsecsssessencsseee 52 PRMMUUNUORUNUEIED MOUOUGEE VOT PORTO FOGIIIMP OMI cocccccccccccenicescccsssnssasstecsnnssntesacsnetecnesssssesosenescasscnes 52 Shevardnadze Orders Council fer State Government Formed Sn TE, cece lningelsdisceninianiinnnninierentivianiianationns 52 Shevardnadze Edict on Speeding Structural Reforms /SAKINFORM] .0....c..ccccccsssssscesseesseeseeseeneenees 53 Government Decrees Increase in Minimum Wages /SAKINFORM] .0........:ccsscssssessseeeeeeseenseeeneeeees 53 BALTIC STATES Estonia nen Sorrnnnn S0Ntr an NOD CUUIITIIIN 7 SUT secede aenepnldoncininnnenentnesaninionsnnmennadsinonetnens 54 Klaar: Not Ready for Simplified Russian Border Regime [Tallinn Radio] ..........c.ccccccsecssceseeeseeneees 54 Russia Urged To End Violence in Chechnya /Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release] ............... 54 Kaunas City Recognizes Chechen Independence (IZVESTIYA 28 Dec] .........ccccsccssseescseeseeeeseeseeeneees 54 Lithuania Landsbergis on Chechnya, EU, Russian Ties /Vilmius R@di0] .........c..ccccccsccccsscessceeesseeeseceeeseeensceceneees 54 Brazauskas Comments on Ties With Belarus [Vilnius Radio] ............ccccccsccccssceessecessecesseeecscceeseneeeeee 55 Replacement Peacekeeping Platoon Destined for Croatia /Vilnius International] ...........cccc00e00000 55 Arms Stockpile in Kaliningrad After Russian Withdrawal [Vilnius Radio] ..........ccccccccccccsseeseeeseeereee 56 Two Charged With Illegal Possession of Uranium [Vilnius R@diO] .........c.cccccssssesseseeeeeeeseeeeseeeneeeees 56 FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 CIS Customs Union May Start Operating in Early 1996 MM2812130394 Moscow ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA in Russian 27 Dec ©¢ First Edition p 3 [Article by Aleksandr Gavrilyuk: “Customs Transit. Internal CIS Borders Should Not Hinder Economic Integration”’] [FBIS Translated Text] We would recall that back in 1992 a draft agreement on the principles of a customs union was drawn up on the initiative of the Russian State Customs Committee. It was discussed by the heads of the Commonwealth countries. On the basis of the assessment of Sergey Fedosov, head of the State Customs Committee’s Foreign Relations Administration, it is proposed to exercise customs con- trols in respect of third countries only along the external perimeter of the bord r of the agreement signatories. In other words, loads which have been checked by, say, Russian customs, should pass without let or hindrance across the territory of all member states of the union without any additional checks. This supranational structure, as it were, should be enti- tled to make decisions that are binding on all the “signatories.” Of course, each customs department loses its sovereignty to a certain extent within the framework of the union. Nonetheless, the mechanism has already been worked out in rough. Currently the role of such a coordinating organ could be played by the Council of Customs Service Leaders set up by decision of the CIS heads of government in January 1994. It is already functioning and is currently trying to resolve the main problem—that of unifying customs legislation. Without this it will be impossible, by definition, to create a customs union. But it is in this area that the main differences have been revealed. The Ukrainian delegation stated that it is an associate member of the Commonwealth and, on this basis, cannot discuss—much less sign—any agreements. But when the question of setting up unified customs legisla- tion was raised, the Ukrainian representative demanded that the following amendment be made: “Excluding words from the preamble which do not [as published] contravene these basic principles.” These apparently insignificant words are profoundly important. If this amendment were adopted, the Basic Principles of the CIS States’ Customs Legislation would lose their main function—they would no longer be supranational. A second contradiction came to light—this time prompted by Turkmenistan. Representatives of that state agreed that the Basic Principles of Customs Legis- lation had been elaborated in accordance with interna- tional standards and take account of the national fea- tures of all the future union’s participants. The only thing that bothers them is that the customs services are equated with law enforcement organs—even within the limits of their authority. What do they mean? INTERREGIONAL AFFAIRS 1 This refers primarily to some operational measures and secret work in conjunction with the Federal Counterin- telligence Service and the MVD [Ministry of Internal Affairs]. Russian lawmakers have given their customs officers this right. Moreover, customs officers can now also close a border. For instance, there is no state border between Russia and Kazakhstan—and, consequently, no border guards either. So Turkmenistan is saying—our lawmakers have not given us these powers, and so we cannot accept this. In short, the situation that has developed in the course of the work on the Basic Principles of Customs Legislation is a difficult one and is compounded once again by the position adopted by Ukraine, which, in the opinion of analysts, is for quite incomprehensible reasons failing to show any interest in maintaining direct contacts with producers, entrepreneurs, and businessmen in the Com- monwealth countries. The Russian State Customs Com- mittee is acutely aware of the difference between Ukraine’s declared readiness for integration and its practical actions. Moreover, the change of leadership in that country—including in the customs department— has led to a hardline attitude as regards the creation of a customs union (something that had not previously been in evidence). Nonetheless, the work to form the union has been moving ahead quite dynamically. The last Council of CIS Heads of Government meeting adopted an inte- grated methodology for compiling customs statistics. Currently not a single country of the former union has a mechanism for compiling foreign economic statistics. The Russian Committee for Statistics [Roskomstat, as published] uses figures supplied by the State Customs Committee. It alone records cargo on the border and enters that information into its data base. A communi- cations network for combating drugs smuggling has been set up, and Moscow is compiling a data base on drugs shipments. Work is under way to unify tariff and non- tariff relations with third countries. These should be unified, otherwise it will be impossible to avoid reex- ports. In short, the customs officers are hopeful that the union will start operating in early 1996. ITAR-TASS Carries Press Review for 29 Dec LD2912064194 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 0607 GMT 29 Dec 94 [Press Revtew”—ITAR-TASS headline] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 29 (TASS)- —ROSSIISKAYA GAZETA frontpages President Boris Yeltsin’s address to the people of Russia in connection with the situation in the Chechen Republic. Yeltsin said the Russian servicemen found themselves at the forward edge of fight against the most dangerous, powerful and brazen forces of Russian and international crime and extremism. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 2 INTERREGIONAL AFFAIRS ROSSHSKAYA GAZETA carries an interview with Alexander Lebed, Commander of the 14th Russian Army stationed in the Dniester region. Asked whether he is prepared to join in political struggle, Lebed said: “I do not take any political steps. I express my attitude as a citizen of Russia who does not intend to go anywhere out of the country...” In response to a question whether he sees politicians in Russia and Moldova who could really change the situa- tion for the better, Lebed said: “I see such politicians but I would not like to give the names for ethical consider- ations. Whoever is named, with our level of democracy, a person, against his own will and my will, may become the focus of close attention and scrutiny. I would not like to let anyone down.” NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA on IMF loans to Russia: “It is perfectly clear that international financial institu- tions will not provide Russia with 12,700 million U.S dollars which have already been included in the draft budget. “In order to realise this, it is enough to turn to the consideration of one ‘detail’. If the International Mone- tary Fund allocated a 6,000-million-dollar credit and granted a 6,000-million-dollar loan for the stabilisation of the rouble, this would have been followed by an increase in the share of credits for Russia among other lenders from 10 percent in 1994 to 30 percent in 1995. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 “It is obvious that the IMF will not grant almost one- third of its loans to one country alone. In the outgoing year, the IMF went to great efforts to allocate a much lesser amount to Russia”. KOMSOMOLSKAYA PRAVDA on the situation in ‘Chechnya: “The ‘blitzkrieg’ has failed. A considerable number of casualties corresponds to the level of the troops’ planned and carried out actions”. SOVETSKAYA ROSSIA: “The fact of the sanctioning of an armed campaign against Chechnya is not surprising in Boris Yeltsin’s conduct this time either. This fits into the logic of all his previous presidential activities. This was to be expected after a series of strongarm moves in Moscow.” ROSSIISKIYE VESTI on inflation rate in Russia: “The general inflation index was 11.1 percent since the beginning of this month and 7.1 percent since the beginning of the year. If the average weekly rate of growth (3.8 percent) keeps on, inflation rate will be 18 percent in December”. ROSSIISKIYE VESTI on food basket cost in Russia: “The average cost of the food basket consisting of 19 staple foods as of December 20 was 101,000 roubles in monthly terms, which was by 5.3 percent higher than one week before”’. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination 1s prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Washington, Moscow Disagree on Arms Treaty Changes LD2912103594 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 0958 GMT 29 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Andrey Loshchilin]} {FBIS Transcribed Text] Washington December 29 TASS—The United States believes that the treaty on conventional armaments in Europe has a structure which enables Russia to make decisions on problems which concern it. Consequently, there is no need to maxe any amendments to the document. This comment was made on Wednesday [28 December] by Michael McCurry, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, in regard of a viewpoint expressed by his Russian counterpart Grigoriy Karasin. It is necessary to amend certain clauses of the document, Karasin said earlier. Russian military officers have been complaining for a long time that the so-called flank limits which are to be imposed in accordance with the treaty on the arma- ments, which may be deployed in this or that European region—particularly, in the Caucasus,—are discrimina- tory by nature, said McCurry. As far as I know, the limits to be imposed on materiele in accordance with the treaty in question are to come into force only in November 1995. Therefore, they cannot affect the course of the current operation in Chechnya, as Karasin has hinted, McCurry added. We proposed that Russia raise the issue at a meeting of the joint advisory commission, which works in Vienna and deals with problems of fulfilling the treaty. Russia has acted on our advice by submitting the issue for discussion by the joint advisory commission, McCurry said. Relations With ROK, DPRK Assessed SK2812144894 Moscow Voice of Russia World Service in Korean 1200 GMT 27 Dec 94 [Interview with Valeriy Vernikov, deputy director of the First Bureau of the Russian Foreign Ministry, by station reporter (Vitaliy Krivtsov); place and date not given; questions read by announcer in Korean, with answers in Russian fading into Korean translation—recorded; poor reception precludes fuller processing] {[FBIS Translated Summary] [Krivtsov] With 1994 approaching an end, how do you assess Russia-ROK relations? [Vernikov] The Asia-Pacific region is important to Rus- sia’s foreign policy. Heads of state from the PRC, the ROK, India, and Vietnam visited Russia in 1994, and the Russian foreign minister met with the foreign min- isters of several Asia-Pacific countries during the ASEAN forum held in Bangkok in July to discuss the RUSSIA INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 3 security of the region. ““Russia-ROK relations in 1994 were based on partnership. During the summit talks held in Moscow in June, the two countries agreed to further develop the partnership in a complementary and con- structive manner. The Moscow Political Declaration adopted during the summit is a very important political document for further developing relations between the two countries.” Cooperation between Russia and the ROK was demon- strated at the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA], and other international organi- zations. The Russian and ROK foreign mini:ters held talks on two occasions, and the chairman of the Russian Federation Council visited the ROK. Trade between the two countries totalled $2 billion in 1994. ROK compa- nies’ investment in Russia is also on the increase. I would also like to point out that Russia-DPRK rela- tions are improving. In September, Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Panov visited Pyongyang as a special envoy of the Russian president. Cultural and educational exchanges have increased. “Russia and the DPRK have a rich experience in economic cooperation, which will contribute to developing new complementary relations.” Legal mechanisms, such as investment protection laws and the prevention of double taxation, should be estab- lished to expand economic cooperation on large projects. “Friendly relations between Russia and the ROK, and between Russia and the DPRK, not only benefit the interests of Russia but also of South and North Korea. This also helps peace and security on the Korean penin- sula as well as east Asia.” [Krivtsov] How do you assess issues concerning the peninsula in general? [Vernikov] “‘Russia’s concern over the peninsula is normal. The peninsula is obviously significant to Rus- sia’s interests. The DPRK and ROK are close neighbors to Russia. Therefore, it is natural for Russia to be concerned with security on the peninsula. Regarding the nuclear issue, tensions surrounding this issue have been eased to a certain degree following the signing of the agreed framework between the DPRK and the United States. We positively appraise the diplomatic efforts of Pyongyang and Washington. Now is the time for the two sides to implement the agreement and ensure the non- proliferation of nuclear weapons and the surveillance on nuclear weapons.” The United States and the DPRK could achieve signifi- cant developments in their talks owing to Russia’s rele- vant measures. Along with the efforts of the UN Security Council and the IAEA, Russia proposed an international conference to discuss security and denuclearization on the peninsula. The proposal played a positive role in concluding the agreement between the United States and the DPRK. Russia should also participate in changing the DPRK’s energy source by replacing the graphite-moderated reac- tors with light-water reactors. First, we have experience This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 4 RUSSIA INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS working with the DPRK in this field. Second, the DPRK is very interestcd in Russian-made light-water reactors. Russian-style light-water reactors have the highest stan- dards of safety. Interfering [panghae] with Russia’s pro- vision of light-water reactors to the DPRK will (?damage our relevant relations.) To ensure the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons on the peninsula, the DPRK-U.S. agreement should be thoroughly implemented under IAEA supervision. The nuclear issue is not the only urgert issue in North- South relations. Unfortunately, the south and north of the peninsula have been at armistice status for over 40 years. “It is well known that the armistice agreement does not completely conform with today’s situation. Therefore, convening an international conference to deal with the issues on the peninsula has become more urgent.’ Only multilateral talks can coordinate the com- plicated issues. [Krivtsov] How do Russia and the DPRK view Russia- ROK relations? [as heard] [Vernikov] “To our regret, the DPRK and the ROK failed to improve their relations in 1994. Their denun- ciations against each other became more severe toward the end of the year. However, the proposal to develop direct economic cooperation between Seoul and Pyongyang was a positive measure. Gradual economic cooperation provides a basis for cooperation in other fields. Considering the fact that treaties were signed on reconciliation, non-aggression, and cooperation and exchange between the South and North, as well as on the denuclearization of the peninsula, the legal institution is provided for the resumption of dialogue, which is expected to bring about progress in North-South rela- tions. Russia has and will continue to advocate the normalization of North-South relations, which will sta- tilize the situation on the peninsula.” Improved Seoul-Pyongyang relations will benefit the interests of Russia and other countries in the region. Russia will continue its efforts to resume contacts between the South and North. “Russia will make every effort so the South and North can reunify in a demo- cratic and peaceful manner. Russia will cooperate with the DPRK and the ROK to this end. I expect there will be progress in North-South relations in the new year. We will continue our efforts to make dialogue between Pyongyang and Seoul productive.” Calls for Dismantling Korea’s 38th-Parallel Wall MM2812130194 Moscew PRAVDA in Russian 27 Dec 94 p 3 [Own Information” report: “Wall Must Come Down” ]} {[FBIS Translated Text] A meeting of representatives of the Russian public has taken place at the initiative of the International Association of Peace Foundations, the FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 International Association “For Dialogue and Coopera- tion in the Asia-Pacific Region,” the Russian Society for Friendship and Cultural Cooperation with the DPRK, and a number of other public organizations. A statement adopted at the meeting observes that, 29 December 1994, 15 years will have elapsed since construction began of the 240-kilometer reinforced concrete wall dividing the Korean peninsula along the 38th parallel. This wall has become a symbol of the division of the Korean nation and the confrontation between the South and the North of the country. However, thanks to the constructive efforts of the DPRK. the following events have been made possible: the initiation of inter-Korean dialogue at a high level, the signing of an agreement on reconciliation, nonaggression, and cooperation in exchanges between North and South, and a joint decla- ration by the North and South on the nonnuclear status of the peninsula. These cornerstone documents outline a comprehensive plan of action to resolve problems which have amassed on the Korean peninsula over the decades of the Korean nation’s division, and they envisage all the necessary procedures and mechanisms for its practical implemen- tation. The statement contains a call for the abolition of the reinforced concrete wall—this symbol of the Cold War and the division of Korea—and support is expressed for the appeal on this subject by the Standing Committee of the DPRK Supreme People’s Council. Details of Agreements Signed with India MM2812133994 Moscow ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI in Russian 27 Dec 94 p 3 [Report by RIA-NOVOSTI correspondent Aleksey Volin, especially for ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI: “Seagoing Ships To Be Assembled in India’’} [FBIS Translated Text] Delhi—Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin’s official visit to India has marked the end of the period of stagnation and decline in trade and economic relations between the two countries. Now Russia and India will begin to conduct their mutual affairs not only as political and strategic partners but also as promising business partners. About 10 agreements and joint documents were signed during the visit. The Russian representatives note that the military-technical and space spheres, nuclear power engineering, and mar- itime shipping are now to be priority areas of bilateral cooperation. Both sides showed mutual interest in long-term cooper- ation in the military-techical sphere. After all India has become a major purchaser of our weaponry. Now we can start talking about purchases of new types of special equipment, as well as deliveries of spare parts and the modernization of weapons which are already in service with the Indian Army. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 According to Yuriy Koptev, general director of the Russian Space Agency, cooperation with India in the sphere of space exploration is possible in practically all areas including piloted flights. Attention is mainly being focused on space communications, meteorology, research into natural resources, and space-based televi- sion broadcasting. A group of Indian specialists are due to arrive in Russia as early as February of next year to familiarize themselves with the activities of our space centers and enterprises producing space equipment. It is expected that we will supply India with five cryogenic engines and two mock-up cryogenic devices in 1996. Construction of a nuclear power station may begin in India in the near future with Russian participation. Atomic Energy Minister Viktor Mikhaylov reported that the power station should be built within eight years. He noted that the two countries will also cooperate in the production of fast-breeder reactors and in joint research to improve the safety of nuclear power stations. It was also decided to create a joint Russian-Indian Shipping Commission. According to information from Transport Minister Vitaliy Yefimov, the sides have agreed to launch a new container line which will link Indian ports with Novorossiysk, and to simplify customs procedures. The minister emphasized that there are plans to build a grain terminal in Novorossiysk by way of repayment of India’s external debt to Russia. We have also placed an order for the assembly of 76 ships in India. The metal for them and some of the materials, equipment, and components will come from Russia. This will help preserve jobs in the country. We will receive 25 ships already this year [as published], and the remainder will arrive in the next 18 months. All this creates good foundations for a significant galva- nization of Russian-Indian trade and economic ties. For the first time in the last five years, this year we will succeed in halting the fall in goods turnover, which was reduced in 1990-1993 by a factor of five from $5.5 to $1.1 billion. In the opinion of Mikhail Fradkov, first deputy minister of foreign economic relations, signs of revival can already be seen in Russian-Indian trade. It is assumed that goods turnover will already amount to $1.7 billion in the current year and will climb to $2.5 billion in 1995. Holy See Appoints New Envoy to Moscow MM2812164194 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 29 Dec 94 p 3 [Report by Gennadiy Charodeyev: “Pope Becomes Hon- orary Parishioner of Orthodox Church in Lenin’s Home- land”’] [FBIS Translated Excerpt] This Catholic Christmas has been marked by two interesting events: For the first time in history the pope has become an honorary parishioner of the Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Uiy- anovsk, which is in the process of being built; and in the RUSSIA INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 5 Vatican a decision has been ~eached on the appointment of a new representative of the Holy See in Russia. [passage omitted] The appointment of Titular Archbishop of Tabalta John Bukovsky as the new representative of the Holy See in the Russian Federation came as a surprise to many people. However, Monsignor Ivan Yurkovich, advisor to the Moscow representative, noted in a conversation with your IZVESTIYA correspondent that the change in papal nuncio was made as part of regular procedure. [passage omitted] At the Moscow mission, no one is personally acquainted with the new papal nuncie. Monsignor Ivan Yurkovich could only report that the Archbishop of Tabalta is getting ready to arrive in the Russian capital in January- February of next year. [passage omitted] Jordan, Syria Favor Dialogue To Settle Chechen Crisis LD2812154594 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1526 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 28 ITAR- TASS—Officials in Jordan and Syria believe that dia- logue is the best means of settling the Chechen problem. They also agree that Chechnya is an integral part of the Russian federation and the events taking place there now are Russia’s internal affair, according to high-ranking diplomats who spoke to ITAR-TASS by telephone. The diplomats stressed, however, that Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Posuvalyuk’s recent trip to Amman and Damascus was aimed not only at explaining Moscow’s stance on Chechnya but at discussing a wide range of problems arising from the complexity of the Middle-East peace process. The same sources said an influential Chechen commu- nity existed in Jordan and some of its representatives were interpreting unfavourably Moscow's stance on Chechnya in light of the latest developments in the Chechen Republic. The Jordanian leadership, however, is set to distance itself from their extreme evaluations. As concerns Syria, it has no internal factors of pressure, and its approach to the Chechen conflict is better bal- anced. Both Damascus and Amman view any Islamic extremism as a dangerous phenomenon in international politics. This approach has found reflection in a joint statement of the members of the Organisation of Islamic Confer- ence. Participants in the recent OIC summit spoke out against the use of Islam as a smoke screen to disguise actions of religious fanatics. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 6 RUSSIA INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Work Continues on MiG Contract With Malaysia LD2912123194 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1110 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 29 (Interfax)— The Moscow Aviation Production Association continues to work on the contract with Malaysia on the delivery of 18 MiG-29 fighter planes, the chief engineer of the association Viktor Puzanov told Interfax Thursday. He said the first planes would be delivered in April in keeping with a timetable worked out by the two sides. A spokesman for Rosvooruzheniye arms trading com- pany announced the same day the Malaysian govern- ment has not made any official statement. on termi- nating the contract. International news agencies report that several members of the Malaysian parliament have called to stop the deal following the developments in Chechnya. The contract worth over $600 million signed in July 1994 provides for modernizing the aircraft and increasing the lifetime of engines from 750 to 2000 hours. Azerbaijan, Georgia Border Restrictions Lifted MM2812161694 Moscow ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA in Russian 29 Dec 94 First Edition p 2 [Decree of the Russian Federation Government No. 1419, 27 December 1994, Moscow, signed by V. Cher- nomyrdin, chairman of the Russian Federation Govern- ment: “On the Lifting of Certain Restrictions Stipulated in Decree of the Russian Federation Government No. 1394 of 19 December 1994 ‘On Measures Temporarily Restricting the Crossing of the State Border of the Russian Federation With the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Georgia’”’] [FBIS Translated Text] The Russian Federation Govern- ment decrees: 1. The Russian Federation Federal Border Service, the Russian Federation State Customs Committee, the Rus- sian Federation Ministry of Transport, and the Russian Federation Ministry of Railroads, in collaboration with the Russian Federation Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian Federation Federal Counterintelligence Ser- vice, at established crossing points on the Russian Fed- eration state border with the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Georgia: —are to permit passage out of the Russian Federation by foreign citizens and stateless persons and by transport facilities and personnel servicing them who arrived in the Russian Federation lawfully prior to 21 December 1994; —are to permit passage by motor transport facilities returning to the Russian Federation belonging to citi- zens of the Russian Federation and stateless persons FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 permanently resident in the Russian Federation and to legal entities registered in the Russian Federation, as well as the goods being transported by the said transport facilities; —in coordination with the Government of the Republic of Dagestan and the Krasnodar Kray Administration, are to define the procedure for the crossing of the Russian Federation state border and to reopen passage of the border (within the bounds of the Republic of Dagestan and Krasnodar Kray) by persons residing in contiguous border regions of the Republic of Azerba- ijan and the Republic of Georgia and permanently employed in the territory of the Russian Federation, provided that they have in their possession documents establishing their identity, place of residence, and place of work; —are to allow across the Russian Federation state border inhabitants of border regions making trips by reason of family circumstances (wedding, serious illness, or death of close relatives, etc.), provided that they have in their possession documents establishing their iden- tity and place of residence and confirming the said circumstances. 2. It is to be permitted to carry out air, sea, and motor shipments providing support services for Russian troops stationed in the territory of the Republic of Georgia, via the territory (or from the airports or airfields) of the Ingush Republic, the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of North Ossetia, the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Kras- nodar and Stavropol Krays, and Astrakhan and Rostov Oblasts, and also from Russian Federation ports on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. 3. The present decree enters into force from i800 hours on 27 December 19% |. [signed] Chairman of the Russian Federation Govern- ment V. Chernomyrdin. Moscow’s Reaction Neutral on Karabakh Presidency LD2812150294 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1430 GMT 28 Dec 94 [From the “Diplomatic Panorama” feature] {FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (INTER- FAX)—Moscow is not inclined to “dramatize” the intro- duction of presidency in the self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (RNK), sources in Ruszia’s Foreign Ministry told INTERFAX on Wednesday [28 December]. “Russia does not recognize the RNK as an independent state, and views it only as a party to the Armenian-Azeri conflict,” a diplomat said. “Therefore it is not particularly important to us who governs the territory now,” he pointed out. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Moscow’s diplomatic circles believe that the introduc- tion of presidency in the RNK may complicate solution to the Karabakh problem to some extent. “It’s quite possible that Baku might take advantage of this circum- stance to lay the blame for the procrastination of the peace process on Yerevan once again,” the source said. Nevertheless, he noted, the international mediators in the Armenian-Azeri conflict, such as Russia, should “play up” to neither side. “They must simply overlook it and go further,” the source said. International Congress on Reunification Held in Moscow LD2812172594 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 ’ [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)— An international congress “Toward Integration through Accord” opened in Moscow on Wednesday [28 December]. Participants in it decided to form pressure groups to collect signatures in favor of holding referen- dums on reunification in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine. “Immediate efforts to reintegrate the republics into an economic, political and defence union alone will make it possible for each of them to overcome their profound crisis,” the chairman of the International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Arkadiy Volskiy told the forum. According to him, the process of reintegration must go through four stages: Form an open union between Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan; lift all restric- tions on the free movement of goods, capitals and labor; adjust legislations; build supranational management structures. “We must appeal to the peoples of our republics and use referendums to force the authorities to start real reinte- gration processes,” Volskiy told Interfax. “I have no doubt that the people will give a positive answer to the question concerning reunification.” RUSSIA INTERNATIONA: AFFAIRS 7 In the meantime a member of Russia’s Federation Council, Nikolay Gonchar, who also attended the con- gress, told Interfax that currently “only an economic union cai: be discussed; a political union will be opposed by the forces now in power in the CIS countries, and some forces in the West will object to a defence union.” Convened at the initiative of the Civic Union-Third Force Association, the forum gathered spokesmen for 128 political parties and organizations from the former Soviet republics. Russian Rockets To Lauich U.S. Satellites LD2812141494 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1346 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS corrrespondent Viktor Gritsenko] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 28 TASS— In accordance with a Russo-U.S. agreement, the Russian Khrunickev scientific space center will deal with the organisation of launching U.S. ““Panamsat” communica- tion sate!lites. The launching will be carried out by the Russian Space Military Forces by means of *4e “*Proton- K” booster recket which will be launched from the Baykonur Cosmodrome. Until recently, Americans preferred the “Arian-4” Euro- pean booster rocket. However, after the last accident on December 2, when this booster rocket crashed, destroying the ““Panamsat” satellite, it was decided to launch other satellites of the same type by means of Russian “Proton” booster rockets. Next year, the practical implementation of earlier reached agreements on foreign satellites being taken into orbit by the Russian “Proton” booster rocket is expected to begin. The “Inmarsat-3” communications satellite is to be the first to be taken into the orbit by the Russian booster rocket in accordance with a contract, worth 36 million Collars, signed between the Russian “Salyut” design bureau and the “Inmarsat” international organisation for marine satellite communications, in April, 1993. This report may contain copyfighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS Political Issues Kozyrev on Chechnya, 1994 Foreign Policy LD2812195794 Moscow Ostankino Telev.sion First Channel Network in Russian 1850 GMT 28 Dec 94 [Interview with Russian Foreign Minister Andrey Kozyrev by correspondent Vladimir Sukhoy] [FBIS Translated Text] [Sukhoy] Andrey Vladimirovich, the year is drawing to a close. What can du say about the year 1994 from the point of view of foreign policy? {[Kozyrev] I think that both from the foreign and domestic policy viewpoint the year was a complex one. Naturally there were many objective difficulties and mistakes were made, too. Well, above all, the year marked a transition from the new Russia generally getting to know the world that surrounds it, and vice versa, to formulating and defining a strategy and princi- ples of partnership. Well, take the CIS, a most important direction where we are concerned. Here, the pendulum has clearly swung from centripetal to the centrifugal [as received] tenden- cies of drawing closer together. The same is the case where the eastern direction of our policy is concerned— we have a 4,500 km border with China and this year at long last and for the first time during the past few decades a basis was formed with our great neighbor: it is not an excessively ideologicai friendship; nor is it an excessively ideological confrontation, as was the case in our country for decades; and it is not indifference either and there indeed existed a danger that condiiions of neutrality and indifference would emerge—we have entered the format of a strategic and constructive part- nership—I am using broad brush-strokes here. The same is the case where the West is concerned. Here, too, we have formulated a partnership strategy. We have concluded an agreement with the European Union, a big agreement both where its volume and, what is the main thing, its content are concerned. However, what we see is this: the agreement has been signed, the stage of ratifi- cation is now beginning, involving, as it does, 16 states on the other side and the complex Russian Parliament on our side. The year 1995 will, in a word, signify an implementation, that is to say, a practical implementa- tion of what had been found possible to lay in place, not without difficulties, not without arguments, in 1994. Now in respect of NATO we have of course accom- plished a great deal. We now view NATO without any hysterics, and NATO views us on a reciprocal basis not as an enemy and not even as a potential enemy. On the contrary we have reached agreement on partnership. This is indeed unshakeable, but again we are faced with the very complex stage of determining how—we already know what we want to do, we want to have relations of partnership, but in respect of how we do this there is proving to be a mass of difficulties, including clashes. But I must say that we have learned to argue, even at FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 times with a rise in temperature and even at times with raised voices on both sides, as we saw recently. Well, probably this is also necessary and probably one needs to go through this stage and learn to speak at times with raised voices but without fighting. [Sukhoy] And what are the priorities of the Russian Foreign Ministry? There is a Ict of criticism in the media at present to the effect that there are no priorities. What could you say on the subjeci? [Kozyrev] Our priorities are unequivocally clear and are being implemented in the following order: the CIS, the East, the West, conflict zones in which we should partic- ipate and are participating, ranging from Yugoslavia to Angola, or one can put it differently: from Haiti, for example, to Tajikistan. Russia is participating every- where. That is the meaning of our role as a great and globai power. These are not ambitions or claims of any kind, this is just a reality. They cannot do without us and we are asked to participate in the Near East, and in Africa or in Latin America. We are trying to do this so that it costs less and, on the contrary, so that our political activity creates the conditions for future economic initi- atives. As for the critics, as well as well-wishers, analysts and even those who are unscrupulous at times—they either pretend they know everything or, on the contrary, say that everything is very bad because it is in their interests to say so since they are in opposition, I wish all of them a Happy New Year! [Sukhoy] Well, as far as Chechnya is concerned, of course, we would not be understood if we did not touch on this issue, inasmuch as this Russian republic is now a bleeding wound. Taking into account our president’s address yesterday, taking into account the Foreign Min- istry’s concerns, what are you able to say? [Kozyrev] Fortunately Chechnya is not our prime con- cern, because it is our internal affair. It has to be said that international reaction consists precisely of this; that is to say the governments of practically all countries are, in the first place, aware that this is an internal affair of ours, our internal pain and that we must undergo this illness ourselves and find ways of getting back to health. There are, of course, many questions raised where the Western reaction is concerned and where our reaction is con- cerned, too and, generally, I am of the view that the critical reaction on the part of our population and our press is a healthy phenomenon. Take Sergey Adamovich Kovalev, for instance [Russia’s human rights plenipotentiary]. He is doing his work. He works in the area of defending rights and he is in the thick of events, concerned with human rights. The fact that the president has set up a special commission, of which Sergey Adamovich is a member, incidentally, along with other deputies and people who enjoy prestige and so on, this fact indicates that Kovalev’s voice is not This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 the voice of one crying in the wilderness. This is, of course, in actual fact a tragedy, but one cannot leave it as such. I think that we should nevertheless say a kind word and definitely in the New Year wish happiness in life and health, of course, to our servicemen, the Interior Min- istry troops and all who are risking their lives to carry out their state duty, and to Defense Minister Grachev ard Interior Minister Yerin. They need our support even if it is critical. Yes, there will be human rights defenders, and yes, we are all concerned, but no one is saying: Which of us does everything right? It seems to me that yesterday's address by the president clearly contains three ideas. The first idea is that neither the break-up of Russia nor the continued existence of a hotbed of crime is permissible, and as much force as necessary will be used in order to resolve this matter by force. This is the first thing. But the second motif is also very strong: the president and the government are holding open the door to a political solution, the door to talks, and it depends on the other side - let’s put it that way - wheiher or not that that door is entered, including whether the property and lives of the civilian population are saved. I should therefore like to wish everyone a happy New Year. It will be a worrying one but by no means a reason for panic or hysterics. We are all working at a political solution. I think therefore that we can enter the New Year with pride in our Russia. [Sukhoy] Thank you tremendously for the interview. Success to the Foreign Ministry and yourself personally in the New Year of 1995! Official on Dudayev’s ‘Crimes’ LD2812173594 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)— Dzhokhar Dudayev “will be considered as a person who perpetuated a crime on Russian territory,” Deputy Director of the Federal Counterintelligence Service (FSK) Valentin Sobolev told a press conference in Moscow today. He said that “we are not in a state of war with Chechnya and Dudayev will not be treated as a military criminal.” Sobolev repeated that in accordance with the Russian president’s decree on strengthening fight with organized crime a suspect could be detained for 30 days in order to establish possible guilt. Sobolev said he believed that Dudayev had committed several crimes to account for. Communist Sees Conflict Turn ‘Ethnic, Religious’ LD2812144894 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1320 GMT 28 De- 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)— Leader of Russia’s Communist Party Gennadiy Zyu- ganov stated that the Russian president’s yesterday’s TV RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS appeal on Chechnya demonstrated once again that Yeltsin was “the main instrument of destruction of, first, the Union and now Russian state system.” He also told Interfax that “the Chechen crisis is aimed at turning the conflict between the two illegal regimes of Moscow and Groznyy into an ethnic and religious conflict.” He said that the president and his team “nursed by the so-called Democratic Russia, have borrowed from it the ideas of uncontrolled granting of sovereignty and locking the peoples in their national ‘apartments’.” He criticized the leaders of the democratic movement who, “having initiated the breakup of the Russian state system, have decided to oppose the president.” He explained that he meant people like Popov, Staro- voytova, Ponomaryov, Yakunin, Payin and others. Zyuganov said that on the initiative of the communist faction, the State Duma had adopted six documents on the Chechen crisis. ““We are convinced that a 1- or 2-day moratorium must be urgently imposed on combat oper- ations and talks started,” said Zyuganov. “The commu- nist faction is ready to take an active part in them and make its specific proposals,” he added. Russia’s Choice Member Leaves Rights Commission LD2812144194 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1413 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (INTER- FAX)—A member of the State Duma Boris Zolotukhin (Russia’s Choice) has left the human rights commission under the Russian president. In a letter to President Boris Yeltsin of which INTERFAX received a copy Zolotukhin declares he took the step “in protest against your insulting evaluation of the selfless activities of the human rights commissioner Sergey Kovalev in the Chechen Republic”. Zolotukhin also withdrew from the council for judicial reform under the president and the commission formed by the president for declassifying documents of the CPSU Central Committee. ‘Club of Voters’ Raid Occurs Overnight LD2812180294 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (INTER- FAX)}—The headquarters of the Club of Voters for the State Duma deputy Vasiliy Lipitskiy—a cochairman of the Social Democratic Union - in Novosibirsk was raided last night. In its statement reieased in Moscow on Wednesday the union said that “documents connected with his activity in the State Duma, letters from voters, and materials belonging to the Novosibirsk branch of the Russian Social Democratic Union were stolen together with office equipment.” This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 10 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS The union’s press center called the attention of the police and the Federal Counterintelligence Service to the “obviously political motives” behind the raid, and expressed hope that the circumstances connected with the raid will be investigated promptly and energetically. Rybkin Supports Planned Elections LD2812173794 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)— Staie Duma Speaker Ivan Rybkin has said that “there does exist a constitutional possibility to postpone the elections in the country, and under certain circum- stances it may be used.” At the same time, he added that it would be expedient to preserve the balance of powers so that all of them work their terms envisioned by the Constitution. According to Rybkin, the next parliamentary elections in Russia musi be held in December 1995, while those of president in June 1996, as stipulated before. Yeltsin Aides Deny Own Resignation Plans LD2812184594 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1807 GMT 28 Dec 94 [From the “Presidential Bulletin” feature] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Presidential aides for national security and political issues Yuriy Baturin and Georgiy Satarov have denied widespread speculations of plan- ning to resign soon. In an interview with INTERFAX, both of them have expressed surprise over such speculations and described them as groundless. For his part, Satarov said “there are some who would like to drive people with certain polit- ical views out of the presidential team”. Many say that both Baturin and Satarov belong to the democratic wing of the president’s entourage and favor more active use of political ways of resolving the Chechen crisis. On the key points of the president’s speech on Tuesday and Yeltsin’s determination to bring order to Chechnya within tight schedules, Satarov said “the president has formulated military and political guidelines to the mili- tary. If they fail to cope with the task, they can no longer work for the president”. IF note: Russian forces including Interior Ministry troops and army units have continued operations to close in on Groznyy, army officials told a government spokesman in Mozdok. Further encirclement is in progress of the capital Groznyy, the main stronghold of illegal armed formations and well-trained mercenaries. The rebels started to move their tanks, artillery pieces and other weapons to the outskirts of the city which fall FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 under aerial strikes by Russian forces. An army spokesman denied that any strikes were dealt on Groznyy itself. Yeltsin Administration Seen as ‘Dying’ MS2912120794 London THE TIMES in English 29 Dec 94 P 16 [Report by Anatol Lieven: “Be Ready For Yeltsin’s Demise”’} [FBIS Transcribed Text] Three years from the end of the Soviet Union, Russian democracy is gravely ill, and the Yeltsin Administration is dying. Boris Yeltsin was in a bad way politically before the Chechen crisis; he took on Chechnya in part as a desperate medicine for this, and the medicine is killing him. But typically, Western gov- ernments have not yet realised this. The Western media and diplomats have so far ignored the political implications of the Chechen crisis. This is the Yugoslav Syndrome: resolutely ignoring an impending crisis until it actually hits you on the nose. A few Western diplomats in Moscow are trying to warn their governments about what is happening, but no one seems to be listening. This is especially true in Wash- ington, for the last thing the Clinton Administration wants to hear is that it faces another foreign policy crisis. But consider these facts: even as one flank of the Russian army is reported to be within a few miles of Groznyy, another column in Chechnya has effectively mutinied and is refusing to advance. An assembly of officers has vowed to resign en masse if their commander is removed. Most of the Russian units on the ground are only pretending to fight the Chechens. Five senior Rus- sian generals have publicly opposed the operation. On Tuesday, President Yeltsin, finally emerging from his long attempt to escape responsibility by an unnecessary hospital stay, committed himself absolutely to the con- tinuation of the Chechen operation. One of two things will now have to happen soon. One possibility is that his Administration will indeed be able bribe, cajole and bully the army on the ground into storming Groznyy. Yeltsin would then be able to claim victory, but the price would be very high, both in Russian lives and in loss of Yeltsin’s remaining prestige. The army would almost certainly demand the dismissal of defence minister Pavel Grachev and major increases in the military budget. Yeltsin would be drastically weakened. The other possibility is that the army on the ground refuse to advance against the Chechens, and—cold and demoralised—may even begin a spontaneous with- drawal. In this case, the survival of Yeltsin’s Adminis- tration could be numbered in days. It seems inconceiv- able that he could survive such a humiliation. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 It is true that in the past, Yeltsin has bounced back from many severe defeats, but in the past he had the support both of Russian public opinion and of highly motivated, relatively popular political forces from the ranks of the “democrats” and reformers. The army was politically neutral, and in a last resort would have backed the President. None of this is the case now. Since Yeltsin destroyed the old parliamentary opposition last year, he has had to take full responsibility for the state of the country, and his popularity has plummeted. Today, according to the latest opinion polls, some 75 per cent of Russians oppose his government. As for the “democrats”, they have been crushed by Russian democracy. Like their equivalents elsewhere in the former communist world, they have been blamed for every present suffering, and were heavily defeated in the parliamentary election a year ago. Since then, a series of regional elections has seen them virtually obliterated. In the latest of these, in Krasnodar, they failed to win a single seat. Nationalists, Communists, and a local bureaucratic grouping swept the board. Faced with this proof of the “democrats” weakness, Yeltsin has progressively abandoned them. Instead, he has been trying to set up a mildly authoritarian regime based on support from “centrists” political forces, the old bureaucratic and managerial elite, and above all, the army, police and intelligence services. This policy conforms to the President’s own basic pre- dilections and those of a man who increasingly seems to control him, his security chief, General Aleksandr Korzhakov. The President is old, in pain, desperately tired, and increasingly given to drink. Not unnaturally, he is reverting to a previous pattern of his life, that of the old authoritarian Communist Party regional boss. Seeing this, more and more of his erstwhile democratic sup- porters are turning to vehement opposition. A turn to some kind of authoritarianism is probably inevitable in Russia; but it is far too late for Yeltsin himself to impose this. His prestige has been fatally undermined by his failed economic policies his public drinking, the growing perception that he is a puppet of a clique in his entourage, and now by the Chechen debacle. Any authoritarian regimme depends last resort on its army; the Russian army increasingly opposes Yeltsin, so is doomed. Exactly how his fall will come cannot be predicte rela- tively positive way be for a covert coalition of military and bureaucratic forces to present the President in private with an ultimatum to step down. He could then be replaced by a neutral and pragmatic figure suc’ as the Duma Speaker, Ivan Rybkin, or Prime Minister Cher- nomyrdin. But much worse outcomes are plausible. The West must be prepared. In the words of a diplomat, “What we need is steady Western interest and concern, RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS i not indifference followed by hysterical over-reaction. At the moment, what looks more probable Western policy- makers will once again awake with a rude start, grope blindly for there trousers in the dark an half-dressed into the street the while American public opinion shrieks hysterically at them from the sidewalk. Yeltsin: ‘Duty’ of Russians To Help Chechens LD2912090794 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 0845 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 29 ITAR- TASS—Boris Yeltsin today praised the initiative of the Trade Union Confederation which has donated a set of medical instruments and equipment to medical institu- tions of the North Caucasian region, the president’s press service reports. “In the president’s mind it is the duty of all Russians to help the Chechen people pull out of the distress in which they have found themselves, help them restore a normal, peaceful and quiet life,” the press service said in a statement. Yelena Bonner Resigns From Chechnya Commission LD2912122894 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1110 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 29 (Interfax)}— Yelena Bonner has announced her withdrawal from the presidential human rights commission in protest against the actions of the federal authorities to settle the Chechen crisis. Her appeal to President Boris Yeltsin published Thursday scys that no idea, including the idea of the indivisibility of Russia which is shared by many Rus- sians, can justify a war against the people. ‘A democratic country cannot keep by armed force an ethnic group that does not want to remain in it,” Bonner stressed. She believes that the current Russian-Chechen war is a clear dividing line, Russia’s turn back to totalitarianism. The widow of Andrey Sakharov also disagrees with Yeltsin’s claims that the Russian army in Chechnya is defending only the territorial integrity of the country and restoring the constitutional order. In her opinion Rus- sian soldiers are defending primarily the interests of the military-industrial complex, the army leadership linked with it and domestic oil tycoons. Bonner expressed her solidarity with the stand of the chairman of the human rights commission Sergey Kov- alev and the group of State Duma members who are staying in Groznyy and reporting mass violations of human rights in the North Caucasian republic. Grachev Announces Cuts, Gets No Volunteers MM2912152994 Moscow KOMSOMOLSKAYA PRAVDA in Russian 29 Dec 94 p 1 [Report by Igor Chernyak under the “Scandals” rubric: “Three of Grachev’s Deputies Refused To Be Firemen”] This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 12 RUSSIA NA‘ IONAL AFFAIRS [FBIS Translated Text] According to information from sources at the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, Pavel Grachev had conversations Tuesday with three of his deputies—Colonel Generals Boris Gromov, Valeriy Mironov, and Georgiy Kondra- tyev. After telling them about a reorganization of the Defense Minis*ty apparatus and the cutbacks that will come about in this connection, the minister of defense proposed that the generals decide among themselves which of them is to remain the only deputy in charge of peacekeeping operations, the fire service, and Army sports. The sources describe Grachev’s proposal as undisguised, cynical mocking of generals who went through Afghanistan and who have tremendous corabat experience. According to the sources’ information, all three answered Grachev with an abrupt refusal, but only Yeltsin can make the official decision to remove them from their posts. In the opinion of officers and generals of the military department, even if this happens, no serious changes at the Defense Ministry are foreseen at present, since all three aforesaid deputies had already essentiaily been debarred from participating in the elaboration of the Defense Ministry’s final decisions long ago. Other peo- ple—not very competent but personally devoted—have ended up as Grachev’s closest advisers. If Yeltsin adopts a decision on the resignation of the Afghan “three,” Grachev will be left with five deputies: Kolesnikov, chief of the General Staff; Kokoshin, a civilian; Toporov, curator of the rear services, who was on the point of being dismissed; Kobets, hero of the storming of the ‘“‘White House’’ and Dmitriy Yakubovskiy’s “godson”; and also Burlakov, who has been temporarily relieved of his duties but remains in his office. Yeltsin, Kovalev Statements Seen To Differ MM2912153094 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 30 Dec 94 p 1 ‘ [Report by Valeriy Yakov: “*...1 Gave Instructions To Rule Out Any Bomb Strikes That Could Lead to Casu- alties Among the Peaceful Population of Groznyy’"— Boris Yeltsin, 27 December, Moscow. ‘During the Night Groznyy Suffered Six Missile and Bomb Strikes’-— Sergey Kovalev, 28 December, Groznyy”] [FBIS Translated Text] In his TV address to the people the president of Russia stated: “For the sake of the preservation of human life, I gave instructions to rule out any bomb strikes that could lead to casualties among the peaceful population of Groznyy.” That presidential address was heard by everyone, including the inhabitants of Groznyy, and many people no doubt believed it. Mistakenly. On the evening of 28 December Sergey Kovalev called Moscow from the capital of Chechnya and reported: FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 “Immediately after the president's statement was broad- cast, Russian aircraft carried out a strike (nine missiles and bombs) on Urus-Martan, where 45,000 residents and 15,000 refugees are concentrated. During the night Groznyy suffered six missile and bomb strikes. Early in the morning missiles destroyed an orphanage and a neighboring residential block. The children were in the cellar and were unhurt. At 1500 hours a missile strike was carried out on the ‘Minutka’ residential district....” For those who doubt the words of Kovalev and the group of deputies working with him, I will cite the testimony of AFP journalists: ““The bombing began at 0640 hours; as a result a three-story residential building, a four-story school, and a private house were destroyed....” There are a great many such testimonies, including the reportage by our special correspondents (see page 2). On the basis of all this, it can be assumed that the president’s instructions are not being fulfilled and he was mistaken in his assessment of his own powers. In recent days we have become rather accustomed to the idea that the government press center constantly tells lies, and we have therefore stopped taking it seriously. It is all too obvious that it was set up for propaganda purposes and that under V. Sergeyev’s leadership it gives voice to the directives of the power departments and members of the Security Council in their clumsy attempts to justify their state activity, which is resulting in bloodshed among civilians. It is also understood that you cannot completely trust the words of Messrs O. Soskovets, O. Lobov, P. Grachev, and particularly N. Yegorov, S. Stepashin, and many others who are in direct charge of the punitive operations in Chechnya. This “honorable” activity simply ob’iges them to mislead the enemy, and at the same time the masses, so that the strikes are unexpected and perfidi- ously effective (on the eve of the talks, before the expiry of the ultimatum, after the president’s address...). For the aforementioned strategists this is not cynicism, but “military guile.” One can even try to understand Mr. Shakhray’s cyni- cism. On learning that the parents of the American journalist killed in Groznyy had asked the Russian authorities to pay the expenses of bringing their daugh- ter’s body home, Vice Premier Shakhray told reporters that those expenses should be exacted from...Dudayev. As if it was not on Russian territory and by a Russian bomb that the journalist was killed. All this, I repeat, can, albeit with great effort, be under- stood at least to some extent, without attempting to justify it. But one can neither understand nor justify a situation in which a president who is fond of calling himself the “guarantor” says one thing, while another thing—exactly the opposite—is happening in the country. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 And especially when it is a matter of people’s lives. It is [as published] a question of gunmen or any other armed formations—they know what they are doing. It is a question of the inhabitants of an orphanage, a school, and apartment blocks, on whose heads missiles and bombs continue to fail—under the president's guarantee. Cyprus-Based Firm Sends Arms to Chechnya MM 2812153694 Moscow ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA in Russian 28 Dec 94 First Edition p 1 [Report by Petr Arkadin: “Scandal: Dangerous Routes— Aircraft With Weapons on Board Sent to Groznyy Instead of Cyprus’’] {[FBIS Translated Text] The abundance of weapons in Chechnya has arisen not only because Army units left substantial reserves of various firearms there when with- drawing from the republic three years ago. These reserves are constantly being replenished by new acqui- sitions. The company “Lore Trading Ltd” [first word as transliterated] has become one of the main suppliers of the deadly commodity. It was founded in 1993 as an offshore firm in Cyprus by a Russian citizen, a certain Aleksandra Atapina. General trade was proclaimed as the theme cf its activity. But the enterprising manageress did not even begin to trouble herself with concerns about acquiring lace shirts, soap, and other consumer goods. She was attracted by com- modities for other uses. She managed to acquire two batches of 1Zh-70 pistols totaling 4,350 items from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. On 29 November ana 31 December (just before New Year) the two batches »f weapons were flown from Izhevsk to Groznyy, where a representative of the firm successfully sold them. Then, 22 June 1994, a third “helping” of pistols—3,000 items—was loaded into an AN-12 aircraft. On the ship- ment customs declaration, Cyprus was indicated as the country of destination, the recipient being the very same company “Lore Trading Ltd.”’ But quite out of the blue, the aircraft with the weapons on board set off for Sleptsovsk Airfield, which is in Ingushetia. Only with the help of the air defense troops was the export of firearms to a trouble spot successfully averted. It is not hard to guess into whose hands the Izhevsk pistols would have fallen. An action was brought against Atapina on the basis of the crime provided for by Article 218 of Chapter One of the RSFSR Criminal Code—illegal acquisition and sale of firearms without a corresponding license. Other details pertaining to the weapons deals also came to light. Although, on the Cypriot side, all formalities were observed upon registering the company, the fact is that Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations did not find in favor of registering the company in Cyprus, nor was a license from the Central Bank of Russia obtained. RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 13 Moreover, as already stated, according to the charter the type of activity of the enterprise in question was general trade. So weapons deals in Cyprus are forbidden, with the exception of supplies to the government. And no license was issued to the company “Lore Trading Ltd” for re-export (that is, for ‘rade to other countries). Migration Service Reports Refugee Increase LD2812175794 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1729 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Liltya Kuznetsova] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow Decembe: 28 TASS— The Russian migration Service said 3,488 refugees had applied to its regicnal offices around the break-away Republic of Chechr ya in the past 24 hours. Migration Service Spokesman Yevgeniy Chernetsov told ITAR-TASS that the majority o1 them (2,984) had fled to Ingushetia. Since the outbreak of violence in Chechnya on December 8, a total of 34,374 people have been processea, he added. Howevei, the actual number of refugees could be much bigger and may reach about 90,000. About 25,000 refu- gees are staying in the town of Khasavyurt (Dagestan). mostly women and children. About 15,000 refugees from Groznyy and nearby areas are staying in the Nadterechny District of Chechnya and about 300 refugees arrive in Nazran daily, Chernetsov said. Moscow Sees No Chechnya, Bus Explosion Link LD2812163794 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1559 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Oleg Velichko} [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 28 TASS— The Moscow city government does not see any connec- tion between recent explosion in a bus near the all- Russian exhibition centre and possible terroristic activities of Chechen fighters in the Russian capital, the Moscow city leadership said at Wednesday's meeting of the emergency staff at the Russian Government. As a result of explosion, which occurred on December 27, a bus driver was lightly wounded. The situation in Moscow ts fully under control and work of all municipal services is going on uninterruptedly, 1 was also said. Investigation into the causes of explosion is underway. Chechnya Receives Regular Paper Delivery MM2812134394 Moscow ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA in Russian 28 Dec 94 First Edition p I [Unattributed announcement: ““ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA—For National Security” This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 14 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS [FBIS Translated Text] A decision to organize the reg- ular delivery of ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA to Chechnya was adopted at the Security Council session. One and indivisible Russia—this is a truth which does not require proof. Whatever people have said and who- ever may have said it, it is for the sake of this aim that Russian soldiers and officers are now risking their lives. It is this that people living in Chechnya are coming increasingly to understand. There can be no question regarding the integrity of Russia—this is the credo of ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA. Likewise, this stance pre- scribes for us the lines reporting events in Chechnya. It is particularly vital for those who find themselves in the troubled region to know how the overall situation around the Chechen conflict is developing, and what measures are being undertaken by the government to restore order. This task falls to the mass media, and first and foremost the official nationwide ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA. This was also suggested by Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Oleg Lobov: The newspaper must be delivered regularly to units and subunits of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Federal Counterintelligence Service stationed in Chech- nya, to the population of the republic, and to leaders of the local administration. Until such a time as peace returns to Chechnya, ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA will carry special sections in each issue with complete and reliable information on events going on in the south of Russia. The extra costs for delivering the newspaper to Chechnya will be borne by the newspaper. Additional Moscow Papers Sent MM2912111794 Moscow ROSSIYSKIYVE VESTI in Russian 29 Dec 94 p 1 {Report by Nikita Vaynonen: ““ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA Authorized To State?™} [FBIS Translated Text] On 28 December ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA misled its readers, and TASS in its press review for that day unwittingly misinformed everyone else by citing the newspaper's report that “a Russian Federation Security Council session has decided to organize the regular delivery to Chechnya” of this newspaper. This would only be possible in the event of ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA being given some special powers as regards supplying the population of Chechnya with information that is to the authorities’ liking. But. insofar as we are aware, nothing of the sort happened. We decided to check out the newspaper's boastful report. An informed source at the Russian Federation Presiden- tial Staff reported that the Security Council had indeed made a decision on the dissemination of publicatiens in the Chechen Republic, from which the population could draw fuller information on the actions of the Russian FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 authorities and the Army in disarming illegal armed formations, on the provision of humanitarian aid, on legal issues, and so forth. But to this end, not one but three newspapers—ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA, ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI, and KRASNAYA ZVEZDA— will be supplied to Chechnya. The ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA disinformation, as is the case in many of its articles, was clearly based on its claim to some kind of special status as the “organ” of some new “Central Committee.” This alone casts doubt on its ability to cope with the task of providing objective information for the republic’s inhabitants. But this is not all. There are questions about the Security Council decision itself. The Chechen population has long been deprived of any opportunity to freely read the Russian press, watch Russian TV, or listen to the radio from Moscow. Having captured the news area, the Dudayev clan has, regret- tably, been very successful in brainwashing people. So much so that even on a recent edition of Channel I's “Press Club,” the claim by a representative of the Chechen diaspora that children in Groznyy are fighting for the honor of the nation and against the threat of a new deportation of the Chechen people did not produce any objections from the detachment of elite journalists present! This was effectively a slap in the face for their colleagues in silently going along with this rubbish. Of course, the information that President B. Yeltsin says he has available to the effect that some of the press have been bought with Chechen money has not even the slightest relevance either to the “Press Club” edition that ATV had prepared or, even less, to its participants, or to the journalists on IZVESTIYA, ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI, and other democratic publication who had expressed and are expressing views that differ from the president. Nobody is prohibiting these views and nobody has suffered for them. But even deliberately selling yourself out (if such things have indeed occurred; after all, no names have been named) is less shameful than naively and fervently falling for Dudayev’s tricks! The long-suffering people of Chechnya now more than ever need calm, objective, and exhaustive information about the actions and plans of the Russian authorities and the situation in the republic. This requires a special program. It simply cannot be limited to the targeted delivery of three newspapers. The quality of official information is extremely poor. Of course, we need bal- ance, since in this complex situation a word out of place could be explosive. But this will not be ensured by any official supervision and selectivity. There is only one guarantee—the high professionalism of journalists. This is the criterion that should be the basis of information policy in Chechnya. Yakubovskiy’s Attorney Addresses Press MM2912164794 Moscow ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA in Russian 29 Dec 94 First Edition p 8 {Unattributed report: “Forced Not To Divulge™’] This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 {FBIS Translated Text] Everything that was written about Yakubovskiy was fabricated. His attorney “cannot as yet” divulge the truth “as he has given a written undertaking not to do so.” This was the recurring theme of a news conference held on the instructions of Dmitriy Yakubovkiy at Moscow legal advice office no. 59 of the Interregional Collegium of Attorneys. If you have ever visited our legal advice offices, I will say straightaway that they have nothing in common with Dmitriy Olegovich’s office. If only because the latter is situated in the five-star “Metropol” Hotel, where a room costs hundreds of dollars a day. It was there in Yakubovskiy’s “five-star” office that journalists chatted to his defense counsel, Genrikh Padva. The attorney informed them that Dmitriy Yakubovskiy had been detained in Moscow 20 December and was immediately handed over to an investigation team (lead by investigator Aleynikov) of the St. Petersburg Internal Affairs Main Administration, which is investigating the theft of ancient manuscripts from the Russian National Library. In was in this connection that Yakubovskiy was arrested. It has to be pointed out that the authorities found the priceless folios within several days, after which a series of arrests—including that of Yakubovskiy—was made. Contracts with clients and all his accounts were removed from his office. But thereafter the brilliant investigation work ran into a hitch. For a week now no charges have been brought against Dmitriy Yakubovskiy, which, in the opinion of his attorney, can mean only one thing—there is no proof of his guilt. Incidentally, Yakubovskiy’s colleagues proposed to the St. Petersburg Internal Affairs Main Administration that they meet with journalists to scotch the rumors, but the latter flatly refused. Using the opportunity of the meeting with the press, the attorneys explained that Yakubovskiy had been detained in accordance with Article 122 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code (whereby charges should be brought within 10 days), as well as the Russian Federation presidential decree On Combating Crime, which extends the period of detention up to 30 days if indeed the detainee has been proven to have links with organized criminal groups. If the latter remains unproven and no specific charge is brought, Dmitriy Yakubovskiy will be set free 30 December. Genrikh Padva stated that “If his client is suspected of involvement in such a serious crime, then he suspects that what is actually involved is something completely different which is no less serious” and which he does not have the right to speak about owing to the written undertaking not to divulge materials concerning the investigation. Incidentally, the celebrated defense counsel noted, this is only the second time during his long legal career that he has been required to make such an undertaking. RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS Economic Issues Chernomyrdin Urges ‘Shifting’ To Manage Economy LD2912113694 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1131 GMT 29 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Gennadiy Yezhov] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 29 TASS— Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin has called for shifting the emphasis in the cabinet’s work from law-making to day-to-day management of the nation’ economy. In his summary of the cabinet’s work in the outgoing year, the prime minister stressed that “we need laws, and we are obliged to work on them, but they are not the government's main work. The cabinet of ministers must first of all solve operational questions arising in the country’s life so as to facilitate the fulfilment of the tight 1995 budget”. Viktor Chernomyrdin, who was speaking at today’s meeting of the cabinet, said “not all of the 170 items which the government discussed at its 33 meetings and the presidium at its 14 meetings in 1994 reflected in full measure the country’s life and prospects for its develop- ment”. The prime minister said much more attention should be given to analysing the work of the government as a whole, as well as separate ministries and departments. “We have not analysed anywhere near enough the effec- tiveness of our work,” he said and added that “an easy way is not our government's way”. Rybkin Voices Support for Currency Amnesty LD2812173994 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)— State Duma Speaker [Ivan Rybkin] has spoken in favor of declaring a currency amnesty until July | 1995. Speaking at the Interfax central office Wednesday, he pointed out that “the outflow of capital out of Russia has become like a flight.” According to Rybkin, up to $100 billion has been taken out of the country over the last four years, with a pace of $1.5 to 2 billion every month. “The Russian capital must return to Russia. For this, reinvestors must be made exempt from all sanctions,” he emphasized. Rybkin said reinvestors must be granted “secure guarantees,” including abroad. Fedorov Sees 1994 as ‘Unsuccessful’ Economic Year MK2812141194 Moscow NOVAYA YEZHEDNEVNAYA GAZETA in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 2 [RIA report: “1994 Has Been Lost for Russia’s Econ- omy”’} This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 16 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS [FBIS Translated Text] Boris Fedorov, leader of the “12 December Union” deputies’ group, believes that in 1993 ““much more was accomplished from the point of view of reform.” This year, however, he said, in spite of a moderate decline in inflation, “the population’s real incomes have not grown, and the budget is in worse shape: Over 50 percent of expenditures have been financed by the Central Bank.” Fedorov noted that the numerous presidential economic edicts have failed to produce a substantial impact on the economic situation. The deputy cited the absence of a single economic government policy as one reason for the unsuccessful economic development in 1994. Finance Ministry on Chechnya Expenditures LD2912092594 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 0830 GMT 29 Dec 94 [By BUSINESS-TASS correspondent Vladimir Zadera] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, December 29 TASS— If expenditures for financing measures to restore the constitutional order on Chechnya remain in 1995 at the present level, the vudget of the Russian Defence Min- istry for next year will require additional expenditures of around 3,500 billion roubles, BUSINESS-TASS learned from the Russian Finance Ministry. This 1s a large sum, so the draft budget referred to the State Duma will need to be adjusted, said Vladimir Grudnov, deputy chief of the defence department sec- tion of the Finance Ministry. In December, additional expenditures connected with military operations in Chechnya, mainly the expendi- tures for transportation and the supply of fuel and food amounted to 200 billion roubles. Nevertheless, current financing of the operation is in the framework of the budget of the power-wielding structures, Grudnov said. The budget indebtedness of the Defence Ministry will amount to nearly 8,500 billion roubles in the outgoing year, including 3,000 billion roubles spent on armaments and equipment. The debt will be repaid either in the framework of the new military budget or as a separate article of the budget, depending on the State Duma’s decision, Grudnov said. Minister on Importance of Chechnya Oilfields M1M2912122994 Moscow ROSSIYSKAYA GAZETA in Russian 28 Dec 94 First Edition p 2 {[Unattributed report: “Things Not So Good With Oil Either” } {[FBIS Translated Text] “Practically all the oilfields in Chechnya will have to be put in order once again. An overwhelming number of them are inactive today, and FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 equipment needs replacing,” Vladimir Kostyunin, Rus- sian Federation first deputy fuel and energy minister, believes. In an exclusive interview for ITAR-TASS he stressed that the situation in the fuel and energy complex of the Chechen Republic is extremely difficult. No more than a few dozen wells have remained in working order, and oil pipelines. literally punctured by numerous pilferers of hydrocarbon raw materials, have to all intents and purposes become unfit for further use. Because of the constant thefts, pipeline supplies of petroleum products beyond Chechen borders were also halted. According to data from the Russian Federation Fuel and Energy Ministry, the volume of oil production in Chechnya has halved in the last three years alone, while in the space of 11 months of this year just 1.2 million tonnes of oil were extractec in the republic. This at a time when, just a few years ago, the volume of oil production in Chechnya was at a level of 4.5 million tonnes of oil a year. It is this level of oil production, Vladimir Kostyunin noted, which it is planned to attain by 1997 after the implementation of a range of restorative works. According to the deputy minister, as soon as the situa- tion in the republic is normalized a special commission will determine the necessary volume of equipment sup- plies and outline a plan of action for the “revival” of the fuel sector. According to preliminary evaluations, outlay on supplies of capital intensive equipment may exceed several tril- lion rubles. In addition, it is planned to bring in around 3,000 specialist oil workers, including people who have worked in the Chechen Republic before, in order to get the technically complex equipment going, both at the actual oilfields themselves and at the oil refineries. The need for this step, in the words of Kostyunin, is dictated in practice by the complete lack of technical personnel in the republic. The revival of Chechnya’s fuel and energy potential is important not only for the normalization of this repub- lic’s economic life, Vladimir Kostyunin believes, but also for the whole Caucasus region. In his words, the planned volumes for extracting oil and refining it will be wholly sufficient to provide the region with petroleum products. Davydov on End to Oil Quotas LD2812191294 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1816 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By BUSINESS-TASS correspondent Irina Bolshova]} [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 28 TASS— Oil quotas will be abolished and the number of special exporters will be reduced to 12 in 1995, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Davydov told a news conference today. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 With domestic oil prices making only 30 percent of those in foreign markets, measures must be taken to protect domestic supplies from damaging impacts of export. New rules of fuel export due to be adopted within days define the policy of the state in this area. Under the rules, producers may export the oil after they have met their obligations on domestic supplies. The reduction of the number of special exporters, to leave seven large oil companies and five major trading com- panies in export, is intended to establish control of foreign currency returns which make 60 percent of Russia’s total currency revenues, Davydov stressed. Exports within the frame of intergovernmental agree- ments will be put up for tender. A central hurdle to oil export expansion is Russia’s deficient number of oil-pumping lines. At present, 170 of 300 million tonnes of Russian-produced oil are to cover domestic needs, the rest being free for export. However, Russia’s network is inadequate for pumping it. To avoid discrimination in access to export pipelines and terminals, an intersectoral commission was set up to control equal access and to attract foreign investment in the building of new pumping lines to enable start-up oil producers to export oil, Davydov said. Under the governmental resolution, 60 percent of Rus- sian oil will go to domestic markets and 40 percent will be exported without quotas in the first quarter of 1995. The logic behind this decision is that old export mecha- nisms have been scrapped while the new ones have not gained momentum. Government on Issuance of Short-Term Bonds LD2812201594 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1843 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow Dec 28 (FIA)}—The Russian Government is going to raise no less than 4 trillion rubles next year by selling short-term state bonds to individuals. The money will be used to compensate for the federal budget deficit and investment needs. The chief of the Securities and Stock Market Depart- ment of the Financial Ministry, Bella Zlatkis has said the Finance Ministry as the chief issuer of government securities will seek to place state short-term obligations and other treasury obligations for longer terms. The emphasis will be made on electronic bonds. “Only in that case we shall be able to conduct an effective interest policy in the market and make securi- ties attractive for the population. We have already taken certain steps along these lines, however, the rules of selling short-term state securities to individuals will be introduced under a special letter from the Central Bank, B. Zlatkis said. The deputy chief of the Central Bank’s Securities Department Konstantin Korishchenko has said that the RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 17 “ Central Bank’s instruction is “practically ready and will be sent to the authorized banks apparently at the end of January”. He said that in the first step commercial banks would be allowed to open special savings investment accounts for individuals. ““As a matter of fact those will be accounts guaranteed by the state. Their profitability will directly depend on the profitability of state securities”, Korish- chenko said. Korishchenko hopes that short-term state securities will be in great and stable demand in the market of indi- vidual buyers, because most private investors have already lost interest in them. Official on Grain Imports, Agriculture Support LD2812175094 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)}— Russia is to import 1.7 - 2 million tonnes of grain in 1995 (compared with 3 million tonnes imported over the 11 months of 1994) and 1.5 million tonnes of sugar (com- pared with | million tonnes), and buy foreign meat and dairy products, especially for Moscow and major indus- trial centers, Russia’s Vice Premier Aleksandr Zavery- ukha told a press conference on Wednesday. He said, however, that “Russia will mostly rely on Russian farmers and will have to increase state support for agriculture and related industries.” The 8 trillion rubles reserved for the agri-industrial complex in the draft federal budget for 1995 (out of the 18.1 trillion rubles reserved for the same purpose in 1994, only 10 trillion rubles - 52 percent - was actually allocated) is not enough for the farmers’ normal work, he said. He also said that he voted against the draft budget in the first reading for this particular reason. ‘““The position of the agrarian faction will be the same when further discussions are held,” he said. (Zaveryukha is a member of the State Duma’s Agrarian Party faction). He said that the state must allocate at least 14 trillion rubles to the Russian agri-industrial complex. Asked about the low rate of 1994 state grain purchases, he told Interfax that only about 3 million tonnes had been purchased to the federal food fund instead of the required 11 million tonnes, and 12 million tonnes had been bought for the regional funds (instead of the required 25-26 million tonnes). The main cause of the shortfall is that the level of financing stood at only 60 percent, he said. Military & Space Issues Proton-K Booster Rocket Launched LD2812150694 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1452 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Viktor Gritsenko] This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 18 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 28 TASS— The Russian space Military Forces (SMF) fired off a Proton-K booster rocket with an acceleration unit DM-2 [as received] from the 81st launching pad in the Baykonur Cosmodrome on Wednesday at 14:31. The rocket will put into a geostationary orbit a Raduga communications satellite at an operating point of 70 degrees eastern longitude, ITAR-TASS learnt at the SMR press centre. The launching of the Proton-K booster was the 13th and the last this year. It was the 200th successful start since the time when the first Proton booster blasted off in 1965. Defense Ministry Satellite Reaches Orbit LD2912145094 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1445 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Meecow, Dec 29 (INTER- FAX)—The Russian Space Force [SF] launched a Soyuz- U booster with a Kosmos satellite from the Baykonur, Kazakhstan, launching pad. The SF press center official Ivan Safronov told INTERFAX that the satellite reached the desired point in the circum-earth orbit and would serve the Defense Ministry’s space program. Safronov said that this launch ended the Russian 1994 space program which woulc enable the nearly 170 Rus- sian satellites of various kinds to operate smoothly. A total of 48 boosters were launched, of which 29 from Baykonur and 19 from Plesetsk, injecting 63 satellites into orbits (35 from Baykonur and 28 from Plesetsk. Three manned Soyuz-TM spacecraft and five Progress- M cargo spacecraft were launched in 1994, enabling the Russian space station Mir to function properly, in par- ticular under the international Eurom r-94 project. Regional Affairs Dudayev Consents to Unconditional Talks LD2912140994 Moscow Mayak Radio Network in Russian 1338 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Excerpt] Our North Caucasus corre- spondent Pavel Borisovich Guskov reports this: [Guskov] Three minutes ago, as you were broadcasting your news bulletin, the news desk of the Ostankino television and radio company received a report from Giroznyy: At 1500, Dzhokhar Dudayev, president of the Chechen republic, sent a telegram to the Kremlin in Moscow, which carries his consent to start talks with the Russian leadership with a view to resolving the armed conflict. The telegram envisages that the talks should begin without any preconditions. The wish is expressed that Prime Minister Chernomyrdin should take part in FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 the talks or, as the telegram says, the Chechen leadership agrees to hold these talks at any other level. In the meantime, events have been unfolding. According to a report from a reliable source within the Stavropol Kray administration who wishes to remain anonymous, subunits of the Russian Federation Ministry of Internal Affairs began ai: operation several hours ago to squeeze out pro-Dudavev armed formations from the Naurskiy Rayon in Chechiiya, bordering on Stavropol Kray. According to the same source, the Chechen population, worried that this rayon might become another theater of combat operations, asked for this operation to com- mence. [passage omitted] Air Force Uses Laser-Guided Missiles in Chechnya LD2912144694 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1417 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Mozdok, Dec 29 (INTER- FAX)}—The improving weather enables the Russian Air Force to use precision bombing of the gangs in Chech- nya, a highly placed military official told Interfax in Mozdok. He said that laser air-to-surface missiles and guided bombs were used. As a result, there will be virtually no civilian casualties, the official said. In his words, the Air Force targeted artillery positions, strongholds and armored vehicles of Dudayev’s sup- porters. The official said that the use of precision weapons had noticeably improved the combat support of land units. He said that the Russian air force destroyed the heli- copter of Chechen leader Dzhokar Dudayev and two bridges on the River Argun. Stepashin, Yegorov on ‘Ultimatum,’ Media Issues MM2812162994 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 29 Dec 94 p 2 [Report by Andrey Aderekhin: “Instead of Talks, the FCS Chief Wants To Issue an Ultimatum”’] [FBIS Translated Text] Krasnodar—En route for Mozdok N. Yegorov, deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Government, and S. Stepashin, leader of the FCS [Federal Counterintelligence Service], have made a stopover in Krasnodar, where they met with Kub. leaders. In his television address President B. Yeltsin named Yegorov and Stepashin among the three persons charged with negotiating with the Chechen side. Yegorov reported that two points are at issue: the terms for surrendering Dudayev’s formations into custody and for disarming them. Stepashin emphasized that he regards This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 the very word “negotiations” as wrong, since it is neces- sary to speak not of negotiations but of issuing an ulti- matum to the Chechen side. He also particularly singled out the point that there simply must not be any political discussions with the Dudayev side of Chechnya’s future—just surrender and disarmament. In his opinion, today we should speak of a conflict not with Chechnya but only with the city of Groznyy, since the population and the elders on the remaining territory are starting to support the Russian side and are gradually consenting to disarmament on the condition that they are rot then left in Dudayev’s power. Vice Premier Yegorov named the period within which the situation with regard to the armed formations in Chechnya must be settled—10 days. True, he did not explain just which measures will achieve this. A correspondent for the “Kuban” State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company asked whether central mass media journalists really are not allowed to work in Chechnya. Yegorov’s reply graphically demonstrated the vice premier’s conceptions of the journalist’s duty. A lot of unaccredited journalists are hanging about on the forward line in Chechnya, he said. These wandering journalists frequently appear in a zone of combat oper- ations from God knows where, and so their equipment is taken from them, and then soldiers and officers are naturally forced to put journalists face down in the mud and ascertain who they are and how they made it to the forward line.... The vice premier also added that there are a lot of our journalists in Chechnya, but for some reason they have identity cards issued by foreign publi- cations and agencies—REUTER, say. There must also be order in a zone of military operations, Yegorov concluded. Groznyy Residents React to Yeltsin Address MM2812161594 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 29 Dec 94 p I [Report by Arkadiy Zheludkov and Sergey Mostovsh- chikov: “First Reaction in Groznyy to B. Yeltsin’s Speech’”’] [FBIS Translated Text] Groznyy-Nazran—Russian Pres- ident B. Yeltsin’s address to the country on the situation in Chechnya was broadcast on TV at 1605 27 December 1994. We spoke to many people straight after. The population of Chechnya is quite uninhibitedly voicing its opinions, but it does not wa:t to see its names in print. First—the address to the people has not made the situation particularly clear. Above all, judging from my conversations, it is not clear how the Russian troops will remain in place while order in Chechnya is restored by the militia. The Chechen militia, which Moscow includes in the category of illegal RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 19 armed formations, will clearly not be carrying out this task. If it is planned that constitutional order will be restored to Groznyy by Russian militiamen, ir what way will this be done? It will clearly be impossible for them to do so without storming the city by force. So why then are the refugees, whom Boris Yeltsin tried to reassure, being allowed to return freely? The second important issue is the handing over of the weapons held in Chechnya. Local analysts, on hearing this part of Yeltsin’s speech, proposed that we make a historical digression. According to them, when Moscow imposed Dudayev to lead Chechnya three years ago, it not only withdrew its own troops from the republic but left the so-called illegally elected president absolutely all its weapons—enough to fully equip at least two divi- sions. It is these Russian weapons that are now being bought and sold in a Chechnya that is having to be forcibly disarmed. Locals are skeptical about the prospects of Russia’s recovering this arsenal. Perhaps, some say, Moscow may persuade a few people to hand over tanks and other heavy equipment. But nobody will voluntarily hand in assault rifles. They are simply too valuable, and the suggestion that people hand in their own guns is now being seen here as a request to people to shell out 2-3 million rubles from their own pockets. Nor, judging by everything, are Chechens reassured by the address stating that they will not be deported in the event of a victory for democracy. Although it seems entirely convincing, local citizens—who are used to their fathers and grandfathers being regularly resettled—are in any event scared of ending up somewhere in Siberia. As for the rest, opinions in Groznyy—as always—differ. The older generation respects Dudayev and believes that he is an honest guy, since his father raised goats and Dzhokhar left home at 17 and rose through the ranks to make general. Middle-aged people seem to be indifferent to Dudayev, but are not indifferent to the opinions of their elders. Some of these people do not like him at all and are saying “He should go!” But the new generation of Chechens, as ever, chooses Pepsi and is interested only in when this Pepsi will reappear—something which President Yeltsin failed to mention in his speech. Crisis Defines Federal Assembly Weaknesses MM2812144594 Moscow ROSSIYSKIYE VESTI in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 2 [Article by Lyubov Tsukanova: “Federal Assembly Could Do Little, But Has Done Even Less”’] [FBIS Translated Text] The Federal Assembly’s consti- tutional ability to settle the Chechen crisis (or other conflict situations, should they arise in relations between the federal and regional authorities) is not great. Strictly speaking, only the Federation Council has a power, This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 20 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS clearly defined by the Fundamental Law, that is binding in any situation—the upper house has to ratify (or refuse to ratify) the presidential edict instituting a state of emergency or martial law in a conflict zone. The Feder- ation Council has repeatedly used this prerogative in extending (by presidential edict) the state of emergency on part of the territory of North Ossetia und Ingushetia. In the case of Chechnya, this Federation Council power was not required—the president has instituted neither a state of emergency nor martial law in the region. To all intents and purposes only Speaker Vladimir Shumeyko, who is an ex-officio member of the Security Council, had the right to vote when the executive authorities were selecting their options in the Chechen conflict. Judging by Shumeyko’s initial statements, he supported the force option for resolving the “Chechnya problem”—and without relying on the clearly expressed will of the entire house, since, prior to the famous Security Council ses- sion, the upper house had not debated the Chechnya crisis and had taken no action to settle the conflict in its “prewar” stage. The house’s inactivity in this situation looks strange not because it failed to carry out its constitutional obligations (I reiterate that it did not come to that), but because the Federation Council, while representing the interests of Federation components, had adopted for consideration many issues without any direct relevance to its powers (the defaulting crisis, economic and social policy, the fight against crime, and so forth), but had not taken any action and had not put forward for debate the question of the situation in the Chechen Republic—which, under the Constitution, is just as much a Federation component as all the rest. In this event it is hardly justifiable that the Chechen Republic is not represented by deputies in the Federa- tion Council—in fact this circumstance should have prompted the Federation Council leadership to have initiated “diplomatic” and conciliation procedures to resolve the conflict at a stage when it did not yet pose a threat. The Federation Council had in its arsenal consid- erable means (parliamentary hearings at the very least, decrees reflecting the will of all Federation components at the most) to bring the full force of the house’s prestige to bear on both the Chechen leaders and the federal executive and president. The will of Federation Council deputies and the chamber’s attitude toward the situation in Chechnya was expressed only after the military-police operation there had already begun. The State Duma was also considerably late in “getting involved” in the Chechnya problem—above all, owing to a lack of unity in deputies’ views of ways to resolve the crisis. The Duma decree “On the Situation in the Chechen Republic...’ was passed at the second attempt—after the military operation had already begun. Since in this decree the State Duma could only express its attitude toward the actions of the executive without actually influencing them (federal organs’ work to reach a political settlement of this “explosive situation” was deemed unsatisfactory), the deputies included in the decree a paragraph instructing their committees to draw FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 up amendments to the Russian Federation Constitution envisaging parliamentary controls over the activity of federal executive organs. Without such controls all Duma decisions are merely recommendations. The State Duma has exercised its direct constitutional powers by announcing (on the president’s proposal) an amnesty for people who took part in the conflict and have voluntarily laid down their weapons. The State Duma as a whole, its factions, and individual deputies have been speaking out actively on the Chechnya problem of late—groups of deputies have traveled to the conflict zone and an operations staff has been set up at the uma, but in terms of the big picture all these actions are ineffective, since the Duma has no real levers for influencing the situation. The main and only lever—legislation—is one that the Duma has been unable to use. The initiative from the ““Yabloko” faction to pass a law defining the status and composition of the delegation empowered to hold talks in Chechnya was not supported. This showed the real weakness of a lower house of parliament which has been rent by political contradictions and parliamentary infighting. Essentially, the only thing that the Duma and the Federation Council have in common is their desire to move from military means of resolving the Chechen crisis to political means—a negotiating process and a peaceful settlement. Incidentally, the parliamentarians do not even have any unified view about the treaty process or any other settlement mechanisms. This means that if, God willing, the conflict does enter a peaceful phase, the Federal Assembly will be unlikely to be able to provide substan- tial assistance to the executive. With the lawmakers’ limited constitutional powers to actually influence the executive, the houses of the Federal Assembly should be displaying great internal unity, will, and authority— something that, regrettably, they lack at present. Lebed Criticizes Chechnya Military Operations LD2812143794 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1416 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Tiraspol, Dec 28 (INTER- FAX)—Lieutenant General Aleksandr Lebed, com- mander of the 14th Russian army, declared that ser- vicemen of this army would not participate in the military operation in Chechnya “under any circum- stances.” In an exclusive interview with INTERFAX Lebed indi- cated that the operation of the Russian armed forces in this North-Caucasian republic “has made a depressing impression upon him.” “Clever people learn on mistakes of someone else and fools—on their own mistakes. Russia makes its own mistakes and repeats the example of Moldova in Trans- dniestria,” Lebed said. While adopting the decision concerning this operation “one failed to take into consideration the mentality of This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 the mountainous peoples, their disliking of aggression, religious factor, factor of winter, and unsound analogy when we started an adventure in Afghanistan 15 years ago,” he said. “It is unclear, who and how thought when he was crawling into Chechnya. [sentence as received] It is absolutely unclear why to kill people? Are there no other means to resolve the problem or Moscow would have lost something if it had talked with Dudayev?” Lebed asks. Lebed believes that political means to solve the Chechen conflict have not been exhausted. Asked about a possibility to occupy a post in the leader- ship of the Russian Defense Ministry and to head the operation in Chechnya, Lebed declared that “if the matter concerns withdrawal of the Russian forces from Chechnya then I am ready to head this operation. This is a principal issue.” “I categorically appeal, firstly, to stop killing people irrespective of their nationality. Secondly, I believe that it is necessary to stop telling lies about perfect execution of this operation and somebody’s heroic actions,” Lebed said. Oversight Panel Holds First Conference MM2812142194 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 2 [Report by Anatoliy Stepovoy: “Deputies Are Permitted To Observe the Development of Events in Chechnya. And That Is All] {[FBIS Translated Text] The Oversight Commission for Organizing the Negotiating Process in Chechnya held its first conference in the Federation Council 27 December. The conference was held in camera and lasted just over one hour. It was chaired by Nikolay Yegorov, vice premier of the Russian Federation Government. Partic- ipating in the work of the conference were A. Dolgo- laptev and R. Abdulatipov, deputy chairmen of the Federation Council; V. Kovalev, deputy chairman of the Staite Duma; and deputies of both chambers who are on the Oversight Commission. After the end of the conference Nikolay Yegorov con- fined himself just to a brief report for the press. Today, he said, we have agreed that when the necessary possi- bilities and conditions for holding talks have arisen (I, Stepashin, and Kvashnin have been appointed for this), then the Oversight Commission of both chambers of parliament will attend the talks and, thus, fulfill its functions. The vice premier replied with deathly silence when asked about the possibility of a start to the storming of Groznyy. Many people got the impression from this contact with the press that the role of the newly created commission RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 21 in arranging the negotiating process with Chechnya’s political forces is not only secondary but also entirely subordinate to the index finger of the “troika”” named by Yegorov. This is also confirmed by the words which Abdulatipov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council, who had intended to leave that day for the armed conflict zone, let slip in passing: “Why did I not go? But who would let me go there....” The tasks of the members of the Oversight Commission were stated by Kovalev, deputy chairman of ¢. e State Duma. In fact, he told IZVESTIYA’s correspondent, we have already commenced this process. A group of depu- ties is already working in Chechnya and is giving all possible assistance and support to the subjects of these talks. At the same time he specified that only observers delegated by the State Duma have the right to present the chamber’s position. This aside, Kovalev emphasized, a number of other State Duma deputies are in Chechnya, but they are acting on their own initiative. This should not be so. It was not possible to ascertain whom the vice speaker of the Duma had in mind here. Ministry on End to Bombing Raids LD2812170394 Moscow ITAR-TASS World Service in Russian 1626 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Text] Moscow, 28 Dec (ITAR- TASS)—The press service of the Russian Federation government handed the following report over to Itar- Tass today: “At 1900, at the request of a group of Russian and foreign journalists, the government press service addressed to the command of the aviation subunits of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense the ques- tion: ‘Are the bombing raids on Groznyy continuing” The reply was: ‘Aviation is not operating over Groznyy. We are strictly fulfilling the instruction of the presi- dent.” Officiai Denies Groznyy Assault has Begun LD2812141094 Moscow Radiostantsiya Ekho Moskvy in Russian 1300 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] The official authorities’ view of what is currently going on around Groznyy has been expressed by Valentin Sergeyev, the head of the Russian Government press service at the request of our corre- spondent. He said that Russian troops were performing operations aimed at getting closer to the outskirts of Groznyy and at strengthening the cordon around the Chechen capital. [Sergeyev] According to the information that I have received from the headquarters of the armed forma- tions—the Russian Armed Forces—I can confirm that an engagement is in progress in the suburbs of Groznyy This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 22 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS with fighters who have brought to the suburbs a signifi- cant number of armored vehicles and a large quantity of heavy weapons, and they have set up fortified areas and the Russian troops are firing on these same fortified areas. The Ekho Moskvy correspondent insisted that I should ask whether the assault on Groznyy has begun. | put this question and received the following reply: No, ‘t has not begun. Government Issues Situation Statement LD2912085394 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 0836 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 29 ITAR- TASS—The Press Service of the Government of the Russian Federation released the following report on Thursday morning: “Headquarters of the units of the Defence Ministry's internal troops informed the Press service of the Gov- ernment of the Russian Federation in the morning today that: “Yesterday, at 23.00 and today, at 05.30 in the morning, military units hag to open artillery and mortar fire at the groups of militants which tried to force their way through the cordons of the federal armed forces. Attempts to break through were undertaken along the entire perimeter of the areas adjacent on Groznyy. Precision fire lasted from ten to 15 minutes. As a result, the gangs were dispersed, and a large amount of armour under the cover of which attempts to break through were undertaken was destroyed. “Sources in the headquarters explained that over the past three days a large number of passes were delivered to Groznyy permitting entry and surrender of weapons in day time. The command guaranteed humane treat- ment of every bearer of the pass. But the leaders in Groznyy seek to hamper in evey way voluntary entry and surrender of arms. During the night, militants car- rying weapons try to break through the cordons in order to act in the rear of the federal troops. ‘“‘Headquarters reported that ‘there was no bombard- ment and shelling of the city itself”. Chechen Notes Unsuccessful Groznyy Raid LD2812203294 Moscow Radiostantsiya Ekho Moskvy in Russian 1900 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Excerpt] The storming of Groznyy which was undertaken by Russian troops today ended unsuccessfully, Ruslan Tyumayev, deputy minister of foreign affairs of Chechnya, reported to our radio sta- tion. In his turn, he quoted a telephone conversation with Movliadi Udugov, head of the press department of the Chechen Republic. According to him, the Russian troops remained in their previous positions: FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 [Begin Tyumayev recording] The assertion of the Rus- sian president that there would not be any bombing is untrue. Yesterday and today the city of Groznyy has been subjected to intensive bombing. Citing definite information, Moviadi Udugov reported that today 70 settlements and towns in the Chechen republic were subjected to bombing. As a result of today’s bombing 209 people have been killed in Groznyy. There have been hundreds of casualties in the settlements, but the figures are still being checked. We still do not have exact figures. [end recording} According to the press service of the Russian govern- ment, Russian troops have managed to occupy the settlements of Pervomayskaya and Oktyabrskoye, as well as the Khankala airfield. Incidentally, Aslanbek Durayev, head of the CHECHENPRESS agency, reported to us by telephone that this is not exactly the case. [Begin Durayev recording] I know that on the territory of Khankala airfield—it is right behind me now—there are government troops of the Chechen republic, so they have not really advanced much toward Khankala. [end recording] AFP has reported today that several bombs were dropped in the center of Groznyy. The buildings of the National Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and a restau- rant, literally 50 meters from the presidential palace, have been destroyed. Most of the windows have been shattered in the residence of Dzhokhar Dudayev itself. [passage omitted] Moscow Said To Exaggerate Casualty Count MK2812124394 Moscow NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA in Russian 28 Dec 94 pp 1,2 [Report by Natalya Pachegina under the “Chechen Republic” rubric: “Borts Yeltsin Di@ Not Even Voice Regret At the Deaths ot Croznyy Civilians Due to Russian Aerial Bombardment. Talking About the Sins of the Dudayev Regime, He Is Giving an Analysis of the Situation in Russia Without Knowing It.”’} [FBIS Translated Text] Several days after the battle of Argun, the Temporary Information Center under the Russian Federation government described it—thus becoming a coilective author of “Valerik” [reference to poet Mikhail Lermontov’s eponymous poem describing Russian victory on that river during the Caucasus War in the 19th century]—as a major military victory for the Russian contingent. The Chechen side has come up with its own figures summing up the combat. The one thou- sand fighters which the victory report said were killed near Argun included, as is known to Groznyy, the total number of casualties on both sides, 200 of whorn were Argun civilians, including unfortunates were nc origi- nally from this rayon center but had fled there from Groznyy. The number of volunteers, that is, fighters of unlawful armed forces, who died in that battle is nine. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 The rest of the casualties, Groznyy thinks, can be put on the [Russian] army’s funeral lists. It has been reported from Groznyy that today, nearly a week later, there are two rail cars with bodies of Russian soldiers standing on the track between Argun and the capital of Chechnya. According to an informer from there, at least 500 Rus- sian servicemen in these cars are awaiting funeral honors; the Russian side is not making any haste to do this because, as the Chechens have learned from the Russian lieutenant colonels taken prisoner earlier in Khasavyurt, there is some secret order of Russian Defense Ministry not to transport the bodies of those killed in Chechnya across the country but rather to cremate or inter them “on location.” Neither do the defenders of Argun know whether this “Argun trophy” list includes the 100 Russian servicemen who went over to the Chechen volunteers in the course of fighting. The Groznyy bombing casualties still await their statis- ticians. Until then, it has been reported from the Chechen capital, there is an animated discussion there of the fact that 70 Russians who took cover in a building in Groznyy were killed by a Russian bomb during the daily air raids. The bombings of Gudermes, that took place during the same days, did not entail many casualties. Instead the “pinpoint” bombing smashed to smith- ereens the medicinal hot springs there, and the towns- folk’s dachas took a heavy beating. Your NEZAVISiMAYA GAZETA was told from Groznyy that the population is finding a common lan- guage with the army. The people sympathize with the troops, since they realize the subordinate nature of their service. The Chechen “electorate” is clearly hostile to Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs [MVD] troops. Tiey ascribe to the troops unreasonable cruelty, perfidy, and inclination to plunder. For example, NEZAVISI- MAYA GAZETA reported an instance where Russian Federation MVD staffers found eight wounded volun- teers in one of the villages and told the locals they were taking them to the hospital in Mozdok by helicopter. But later the villagers found the bodies of the eight wounded men who had been dropped from the helicopter. To NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA’s question on the present location of the president of Chechnya and how long the Chechen volunteer army would be able to oppose the Russian regular army, it was said from Groznyy that the president conveyed via Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev that he is in Groznyy and ready, as before, to head his people’s struggle for independence. Responding to another NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA question, the Chechen interlocutor noted that the situa- tion in the republic is such that neither Dudayev nor anyone else would be able, even he should wish it today, to stop the Chechen people’s struggle against the occu- piers. Chechen Deputy on Casualty Figures LD2812165994 Moscow Radiostantsiya Ekho Moskvy in Russian 1600 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Two thousand people were killed in Chechnya from 10 to 23 December, of whom 310 were RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 23 fighters and the remainder were innocent civilians, according to (Mahmud Bagalov), a deputy of the Chechen parliament. Casualty figures for Russian ser- vicemen were 824 killed and 1,210 wounded. According to this same source, the Russian army has lost 182 pieces of armor, 14 helicopters, and seven planes. Migration Service Gives Refugee Details LD2912090894 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 0831 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 29 TASS— As many as 36,963 refugees from Chechnya were regis- tered by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation from February 8. ITAR- TASS correspon- dent learned this from the press service of the Federal Migration Service on Thursday. Out of this number, as many as 25,683 refugees found shelter in Ingushetia, 6,995 in Dagestan, 2,117 in the Stavropol territory, 1,097 in North Ossetia, 509 in the Krasnodar territory, 292 in Kabardino-Balkaria, 270 in Karachayevo- Cherkessia. According to the information of the Federal Migration Service, as many as 2,589 refugees were registered by territorial migration services in the past day. As many as 2,192 of them arrived in Ingushetia. It was learned frim the Federal Migration Service that non- governmental organisations wishing to render humanitarian aid to refugees may address the service by telephoning 923-5243 and 923- 2850. Moscow Residents Withhold Comment on MVD Patrois MM 2912085594 Moscow KRASNAYA ZVEZDA in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 3 [Report by Nikolay Starodymov and Mikhail Sidelnikov under the rubric “Moscow Report”: “Patrol in the City.... In Connection With Events in Chechnya the Protection of Law and Order In Moscow Has Been Reinforced With Army Details”’] [FBIS Translated Text] The task set by the editorial office was in danger of getting nowhere. Everyone I turned to refused point blank to say anything at all to the press. I had to resort to the method of gathering facts that is currently so popular—conversations with competent people on the basis of a guarantee of their anonymity... When military operations began in Chechnya, ser- vicemen from the Moscow garrison started being actively involved in helping the militia to ensure order in the capital. What is to be gained from this kind of joint patrolling? Two opinions have formed on this subject. Some students wearing red bands got onto the train at one of the subway stations—one per carriage. I tried to This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 24 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS talk to them, but all of them, from the ordinary patrol member to the senior militia officer at the station, avoided conversation. What about the servicemen themselves? According to one teacher at a military academy, there are practically no studies going on at his teaching institution. Both teachers and students are patrolling in two to three shifts. They are doing this because they were given orders to do so, but they do not see the need for such actions. “This is all for the sake of appearances,” he confided. “After all, if anything did happen we would not be able to do anything....” According to another officer, most of the students studying at Moscow institutes of higher education have not done any studying yet this year. In September- October they harvested potatoes, and in December there have been the constant patrols. ...Maybe you cannot agree unreservedly with everything my interlocutors said. But one thing they said seems entirely reasonable: Whereas the militia is armed “‘just in case,” the soldiers only have bayonets at best. Only the groups which have been singled out to reinforce State Motor Vehicle Inspection Administration posts on the roads out of Moscow are armed and prepared to use weapons. “We involve soldiers as witnesses during inspections of the possessions of people who have been arrested,” one militiaman admitted. Is it not an excessive luxury to keep professional soldiers in the role of “duty” witnesses? What do persons in authority think about this? The garrison military headquarters assured me that it is entirely normal to involve the Army in the protection of order in this situation, and that no drama should be made of this. The Moscow Internal Affairs Main Admin- istration is of a similar opinion. As the administration’s press service commented, the extensive use of ser- vicemen is in fact making it possible to considerably enhance the number of details on the ground. In short, the situation ‘oxs different depending on whether it is viewed “‘from above” or through the eyes of the people directly carrying out the actions. Remember, when the practice of joint patrols was just being introduced, a lot of lances were broken over this siep. Today this kind of “combined” detail has become normal. But the only thing is, to what extent is it justified? Last weekend nothing occurred in the capital beyond ordinary statistics. To what extent does this testify to the benefit of involving the military in ensuring order? After all, I did not hear of any cases of servicemen providing assistance in averting any incident in partic- ular. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 At any rate, the joint patrolling is continuing. Time will tell how long it will go on and to what extent it will ultimately be justified. ‘Observers’ Tie Bombings to Special Services MK2912093494 Moscow SEGODNYA in Russian 29 Dec 94 p 1 [Report by Vladimir Yarov under the “Psychological Attack” rubric: “They Decided To Tickle Muscovites’ Nerves”’] [FBIS Translated Text] Several rather strange terrorist acts have been recorded in the capital of late. It all began a week ago when unidentified persons tried to blow up (what for?) an empty freight train on the Moscow ring railroad. The day before yesterday, some terrorists blew up a route 33 passenger (empty once again) bus in the area of the All-Russia Exhibition Center virtually right after Boris Yeltsin’s address devoted to the situation in Chechnya had been broadcast. And finally, two skillfully made dummy explosive devices were found yesterday morning in two of the capital’s most crowded places (the “Tverskoy” department store and the Kievskiy rail ter- minal). Observers do not rule out that all the above “terrorist acts” will soon be attributed by special services to “Chechen subversives,”’ as was already the case with the blast in Vladykino [a Moscow neighborhood]. Neither is it ruled out that some power structures have decided to tickle Muscovites’ nerves so that, in case of need, they will have “moral” arguments for accelerating military operations in Chechnya or for tightening the administra- tive regime in Moscow—up to imposing a state of emergency. Official on Russians Targeted by ‘Commandos’ LD2912120094 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1140 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Groznyy, December 29 (INTERFAX)—At least three commando units left Groznyy recently for areas deep inside Russia “to take revenge on the perpetrators of the war and their ‘ami- lies,” Chechen Vice-President Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev told INTERFAX Thursday. He said that the units were manned chiefly by volun- teers. According to Yandarbiyev, they made a statement to the effect that they would target Russia’s top statesmen and military commanders and their families wherever they stay. Moscow, December 29 (INTERFAX)—“Statements such as that made by Yandarbiyev contain nothing new. We heard them before, inparticular from Dzhokhar Dudayev,” Viadimir Tomarovskiy, head of the public relations center in the Federal Counterintelligence Ser- vice, told INTERFAX when he was asked to comment on what the Chechen vice-president had to say about This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94- 250 29 December 1994 sending three groups of commandos from Groznyy into Russia for terrorist activities. Tomarovskiy described the Yandarbiyev statement as a manifestation of the policy of state terrorism pursued by the leaders of the Groznyy regime. Tomarovskiy emphasized that the appropriate bodies had taken steps in Moscow and numerous other cities to prevent acts of terror. The security around Russian leaders has been tightened. His agency’s personnel take part in these activities. Ministry Asks Journalists To Maintain Secrets LD2812143494 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1410 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (INTER- FAX)}—The Public Relations Center of Russia’s Interior Ministry called on journalists who cover events in Chechnya not to make public secret information about sites of deployment (re-deployment) of the interior forces detachments in Chechnya. In a statement the Center points out that the information about service- combat activity of interior forces can be presented only with the permission of commanders of the military units. The statement says that if these rules are not observed then “tas the practice demonstrates, it sometimes costs the highest price - a human life.” The Public Relations Center also informed that the accreditation cards issued by the governmental tempo- rary information center “cannot serve as a ground for free movement and penetration onto the territory of deployment garrisoning of interior forces units and detachments and to the places where they fulfil their service-comabt tasks.” FCS Investigates Dudayev’s Media Support LD2912100194 Moscow 2x2 Television in Russian 0830 GMT 29 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Text] Valentin Sobolev, deputy director of the Federal Counterintelligence Service [FCS], told a Moscow news conference that the media that carried plugs for Dudayev for money would be exposed as soon as all the necessary information was available. Mikhaylov, the service’s press secretary, added that counterintelligence had information that journalists from certain publications were paid considerable sums to carry information that was to Dudayev’s advantage. Media Calls To Publicize ‘Vendible’ Journalists LD2812150394 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1426 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Tamara Ivanova] RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 25 {[FBIS Transcribed Excerpt] Moscow December 28 TASS—Boris Yeltsin’s televised statement that “some Russian media function not without Chechen funding” caused Moscow journalists to appeal to the Russian president “to instruct the services who provided infor- mation about vendible journalists to make the list avail- able to the public”. The appeal was signed by the leaders of a number of journalists’ organisations and newspapers. “We see no ground whatever for anyone to conceal their names; moreover, they must be made public without delay not only for the sake of the prestige of the special services, but also for the sake of the prestige of the president who voiced this rebuke disgraceful for us and our colleagues,” the appeal said. The appeal was signed by Vsevolod Bogdanov for the Union of Journalists of Russia, Pavel Gutionov for the Committee to Protect the Freedom of Expression and Journalists’ Rights, Aleksey Simonov for the Glasnost Protection Fund, Igor Golembiyovskiy for the IZVESTIYA daily and Viktor Loshak for the MOSCOW NEWS, among others. [passage omitted] Journalist Denies Media Financing LD2812141594 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1348 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Tamara Ivanova] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 28 TASS— “Even if Chechnya’s money were really used to finance media in Russia, any statement on this should have indicated concrete "recipients to avoid casting asper- sions on the entire journalist community,” Aleksey Simonov, head of the Russian Journalists’ Fund for the Protection of Glasnost (openness), told ITAR-TASS on Wednesday. He was commenting on the charges levelled at the media by the Russian president and other leaders that Chechnya was financing some of them. That some journalists “oppose the methods used to restore constitutional order in Chechnya and protest the bombing of Groznyy does not mean that they are com- mitted to a pro-Chechen position”, Simonov said. Simonov also said about 60 journalists have had their professional rights infringed upon in Chechnya and adjacent regions. “Authorities should be no less concerned about the protection of the reporters’ professional rights than about anything else”, Simonov said. The secretariat of the Moscow Journalists’ Union today decided to appeal to Vice-Premier Sergey Shakhray to name those specific media which function “not without Chechen funding” as Yeltsin put it. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 26 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS First secretary of the Moscow Journalis‘s’ Union Lyud- mila Shcherbina said the union secretariat expected Sergey Shakhray, the leader of the newly established Information and Analytical Commission of the Russian Government to provide clarification of the charges made by the country’s leaders. Shcherbina did not rule out that separate facts could have provided the ground for the charges but stressed that those facts were few and far between and should by no means be interpreted as relating to all Russian mass media. The secretariat is “seriously concerned about the ever more frequent groundless accusations of journalists by representatives of the executive”. Duma Takes no ‘Separate Steps’ on Chechen Issue LD2912113894 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1117 GMT 29 Dec 94 {By ITAR-TASS parliamentary correspondent Ivan Novikov] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow December 29 TASS— “The State Duma is not going to take any separate steps with regard to the Chechen conflict, any steps different from the actions of the president and the government,” Duma Deputy Speaker Valentin Kovalev told ITAR- TASS today. “Hundreds of letters and telegrams which arrive in the State Duma every day from Russian citizens oblige us to take this stand. The letters and telegrams express full support for the efforts of the president and the govern- ment aiming to settle the Chechen crisis”. As concerns the present situation in Chechnya, the Duma official said ““Groznyy is now witnessing complete disorganization of government, there is no single com- mand of the armed groups, and only separate points of resistance are still there’’. “Judging by the telegrams we receive from our deputies and from official sources, it is possible to say, I think, that the operation in Chechnya is entering a new stage. It is now becoming an action of the law enforcement bodies aiming to disarm the illegal armed formations and restore constitutional law,” Valentin Kovalev said. Deputy Defends Kovalev, Quits Commissions MK2912094894 Moscow SEGODNYA in Russian 29 Dec 94 p 2 [Lev Aleynik report in the “Resignation” column: “Boris Zolotukhin Quits Presidential Structures. In Protest Against Humiliation of Sergey Kovalev”} [FBIS Translated Text] Boris Zolotukhin, deputy of the State Duma and member of the Russia’s Choice faction, on the evening of 27 December sent an open letter to FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 President Boris Yeltsin. In his letter the prominent lawyer and human rights activist states: “As a token of protest against your insulting assessment of the selfless activity in the Chechen Republic by Sergey Kovalev, Russian Federation human rights commissioner, I resign my duties as a member of the Human Rights Commis- sion under the Russian Federation president, member of the Judicial Reform Council under the Russian Federa- tion president, and member of the Commission on Deciassification of CPSU Central Committee Docu- ments, formed by the Russian Federation president.” The cause was that Boris Yeltsin, addressing a closed session of the Security Council, made a sharply critical assessment of the actions by Sergey Kovalev, who, according to the president, “has been silent for three years about human rights violations in the Chechen Republic.” Zolotukhin told SEGODNYA: “My resignation is the only possible way to express my protest to the president against his insulting my longtime friend, a man of rare integrity. Against the words ‘there is no need to give way to sobbing’ with regard to a person who at the moment is under bombs and missiles sent by his president.” At the same time Zolotukhin denied rumors that he would resign as a deputy and confirmed that he remains in the Russia’s Choice Duma faction as well as deputy chairman of a Duma committee. Official on Renewal of Some Rail Links LD2812174694 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1610 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow, Dec 28 (Interfax)— Railway communication can soon be renewed on several sections of the Groznyy direction of the North- Caucasian railway, Deputy Rail Transport Minister, Head of the Provisional Territorial Department for Managing Railway Transport in Chechnya Anatoliy Sidenko told Interfax today. He said it was necessary for the Russian Interior Min- istry to gain control over Chechen railways because of possible more damage. Sidenko said that destruction of bridges and tunnels could represent the largest danger, especially if the bridge across Terek near Gudermes was destroyed. Tracks were taken up on the bridge. Sidenko said that time and up to 3500 people would be required to restore such facilities. Sidenko said he believed that about 40 railway facilities had to be restored in Chechnya, including sections of railways destroyed by bombs, affected crossings and embankments. Two special trains with about 1000‘field engineers and repairing workers of the Russian Rail Transport Ministry are waiting in Mozdok for the inte- rior troops gaining control over the railways. Sidenko This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 said the first stage of repairing work, including clearing mines, would require about 20 billion rubles. Sidenko said that 26 railway cars with humanitarian aid were now in Mozdok. The railway cars will be moved to Chechnya as soon as mines are cleared. Furthermore, about 70 railway cars with construction material for Chechnya cannot leave Mozdok at present. Karelians on Methods for Chechnya Settlement LD2812200694 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1843 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Petrozavodsk, Dec 28 (Inter- fax)}—Premier of Karelia Viktor Stepanov sent a letter to Russian President Boris Yeltsin or Tuesday saying that “force methods are not the only ones possible for settle- ment in Chechnya.” Stepanov stated the same opinion at the meeting of the upper chamber of the Karelian parliament today. Stepanov said he believed that further aggravation of the crisis in Chechnya could lead to spontaneous actions of protest on the part of parents and relatives of servicemen participating in the military operation in Chechnya. He said that he could be demanded to make a decision similar to that made by the Tatar president who had announced that none of Tatar residents would serve in Chechnya. Stepanov said the first resident of Karelia, Aleksandr Prasolov brought to the North Caucasus with the Pskov paratroopers division, had been killed on December 27. A special group created under the Karelian government has received 97 appeals of soldiers’ mothers demanding that they be told what happened to their children, Stepanov said. Oil Pipelines Break in Tyumen MK2812134494 Moscow SEGODNYA in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 7 [Report by Anna Nesterova under the “Accidents” rubric: ““Tyumen Oil Pipelines Are Notorious for ‘Being Subject to Ruptures””’] [FBIS Translated Text] Two accidents have occurred in the past 24 hours on Tyumen Oblast oil pipelines. Your SEGODNYA correspondent was toid in the Russian Federation Ministry of Emergency Situations press ser- vice that the first accident occurred Monday [26 December] evening: The 1.2-meter-diameter branch pipeline between Ust-Balyk and Almetyevsk ruptured near the rail station of Knyazhevo in Isetsk Rayon. Preliminary estimates put the area polluted at three hectares. No one was hurt. The branch line was shut down and oil is now flowing into tanks at the pumping station. Work is under way to clean up the polluted ground and to replace the damaged part of the pipeline; more than 80 people are involved. RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS 27 The other pipeline incident happened 45 kilometers from the city of Nizhnevartovsk. A fire broke out as a result of a rupture in the pipeline. The fire fighters arriving at the scene of the accident took more than two hours to douse the raging blaze. The polluted area is only 200 square meters—most of the spilled oil burned up. The pipeline is now cut off. The cause of the accident and the material damage are investigated. Usinsk Spill Cleanup Continues MK2812141394 Moscow NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA in Russian 28 Dec 94 pp 1, 2 [Report by Andrey Bayduzhiy under the “Ecology” rubric: “Oil Is Still Running Near Usinsk. Further Large Accidents Are Possible on Russian Pipelines] [FBIS Translated Text] “The Environmental Protection Ministry is greatly concerned about the slow pace of cleanup operations on territories polluted as a result of the accident on a pipeline near Usinsk,” Ecology Min- ister Viktor Danilov-Danilyan said at a news conference the other day. “We are still not certain that the program of eliminating effects of the accident will be completed. The construction of a new pipeline is also behind schedule. The old pipeline cannot be closed, however, because it supplies over 50,000 people with energy resources.” It is well known that by decree of the Komi Republic Government, the Komineft enterprise, which allowed the accident to occur, was obliged to eliminate its con- sequences by | April and to build a new pipeline by as early as | December. Work in this area is lagging behind schedule, however, and there is a real threat that the effects of the accident will not be eliminated even by the’ spring floods, when the spilled oil will be able to enter the rivers once again. To all appearances, as NEZAVISI- MAYA GAZETA has already reported, not only will it be impossible to complete all planned cleanup opera- tions, it will not even be possible definitively to assess how much oil was spilled. According to Danilov- Danilyan, “the actual scale of the accident on the pipe- line in Komi has never been assessed, but there is not the slightest doubt that the Komineft association, which is responsible for the accident, set its initial data too low.” It will be recalled that according to representatives of this company, “only” 14,033 tonnes of oil were spilled. Other sources gave much greater, albeit varying, figures. For instance, on 6 September 1994 the Usinsk City Environmental Protection Committee said that 64,256 tonnes were spilled, while a month later the Russian- Armet.can Nordeco Inc. joint venture cited the figure of 102,946 tonnes, and on 31 October the Social- Ecological Union shocked everybody by its announcement about a 200,000-tonne oil spill, and, finally, the Geopolis firm, which conducted its own inquiry at the request of the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs, put the oil spill at 79,000 tonnes. The Geopolis data—since Geop- olis had no motive either to downplay or to exaggerate This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. ~ 28 RUSSIA NATIONAL AFFAIRS the scale of the accident—were seen by many specialists as the most reliable estimate. However, the Ecology Ministry commission under Deputy Minister Viktor Kostin, which has just returned from Komi, brought new evidence which, according to Danilov-Danilyan, puts the oil spill at somewhere between 90,000 and 120,000 tonnes. At any rate, environmental protection agencies are inclined to believe precisely this last estimate, on the basis of which the initial amount of fines imposed on Komineft for environmental damage was increased from 62 billion to 311 billion rubles. Still it is not known whether the fine can be exacted from the association, which is guilty of failure to prevent the accident: At present, the association’s debts for late wages alone stand at over 25 billion rubles, so environmental payments will have to take a back seat. Moreover, it has transpired that the Komineft management, which announced in the first weeks after the accident that it would cope with the effects of the spill on its own and refused to accept any financial assistance for this purpose, plans to request a 45- billion-ruble loan from the Russian government in the near future and an authorization to export 300,000 tonnes of oil on preferential terms. This can be inter- preted as an indirect acknowledgement of the fact that the scale of environmental damage is much larger thar FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 was initially announced. Still, leaks from the ill-starred pipeline continue up to the present day on a more or less regular basis. Even when an Environmental Protection Ministry commission visited the site of the accident, about 70 tonnes of oil spilled from the pipeline through a blowout. When asked by your NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA corre- spondent to comment on statements by a number of high-ranking Komi Republic officials and Sergey Stepa- shin, director of the Federal Counterintelligence Service, that the scale of the Usinsk accident was blown out of proportion by Russian oil companies’ Western compet- itors, Danilov- Danilyan said that the environmental damage already done is immense, so it makes no sense to exploit the uproar in the Western mass media so as to downplay its scale in the Russian media. All the more so because even more serious accidents could occur on Russian pipelines at any moment. By various estimates, from 25 to 70 percent of domestic pipelines are currently in a state of emergency. In this regard, the Usinsk spill, which seems ordinary to Russian oil producers and unprecedented by Western yardsticks, was in a way even helpful: It has made it possible to draw a good deal of public attention to the problem of pollution in the North caused by the oil and gas industries, a problem that has long concerned specialists. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 International Affairs Mexico Announces Dumping Probe ‘Violations’ W$2912105394 Lvov INFOBANK in English 2031 GMT 28 Dec 94 [““News Service”] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Moscow—Mexico’s Embassy in Russia has notified the Ukrainian Embassy in Russia that it is beginning an anti-dumping investigation regarding the export of rolled iron and steel produced by Ukraine to Mexico. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations’ press center informed INFOBANK that three Mexican firms have filed anti-dumping com- plaints against countries of the former Soviet Union with Mexico’s Ministry of Trade and Industrial Develop- ment. These firms claim that the average price on these imports is 28 percent lower than the Mexican price. Secretary of the Anti-Dumping Commission in Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Vol- odymyr Konovalov, stated that Ukraine did not export any rolled iron to Mexico. He also said that the Mexican Government committed procedural violations with regard to its anti-dumping investigation. Moscow Mayor’s ‘Unfriendly’ Statements Protested AU2812130694 Kiev URYADOVYY KURYER in Ukrainian 27 Dec 94 p 1 [Undated “Statement by the Press Center of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs”] [FBIS Translated Text] According to mass media reports, during his visit to Sevastopol, Moscow Mayor Yu. Luzhkov allowed himself to make an unfriendly statement regarding Ukraine, having called Sevastopol Moscow’s second prefecture and Russia’s outpost at its borders. In this connection, the Press Center of Ukraine’s Min- istry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to declare that such statements may be regarded as nothing other than attempts to encroach upon the territorial integrity of a friendly neighboring state. Such statements are at variance with the position of the UN Security Council expressed in the resolution of 20 July 1993, the Memo- randum on the Security Guarantees for Ukraine of 5 December 1994, the Helsinki Final Act, and interna- tional law. Particularly disturbing is the fact that the statement was made during the period of completion of the elaborate negotiations on the draft of a new interstate Ukrainian- Russian agreement. The expedience of such trips, even if they are made for noble purposes, is doubtful if Russian politicians resort to unfriendly statements, which do not only contradict elementary norms of international law, but also joint striving for a normalization of Ukrainian- Russian relations. UKRAINE 29 The Ukrainian side is compelled to draw corresponding conclusions for the future in order to preclude attempts to take advantage of its hospitality to the detriment of its national interests. Arrangements for Buying Gas from Russia LD2812194494 Kiev UNIAN in Ukrainian 1850 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Kiev—The Russian state gas company Gazprom will sell 52 billion cubic meters of gas to Ukraine next year, according to a contract signed by the two sides on 19 December. This was announced by Ukraine’s First Deputy Premier Yevheniy Marchuk in a briefing at the presidential administration on 28 December. Under the contract, Ukraine will buy Rus- sian gas at $80 per 1,000 cubic meters. Gazprom is not setting any other conditions for gas supplies besides regular payment, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers told UNIAN. Some 28 billion cubic meters will be delivered under a state contract, the remainder through commercial agents. Belarus Speaker Urges Work on Friendship Pact WS2812151094 Minsk Radio Minsk Network in Belarusian 1300 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] A Belarusian Supreme Soviet delegation headed by speaker Myacheslaw Hryb, which is currently on an official visit to Ukraine, has held a meeting with Ukrainian Supreme Council Chairman Oleksandr Moroz. In the course of a friendly conversa- tion, the two sides discussed various aspects of the current situation in both countries, as well as the further broadening and deepening of cooperation between the highest legislative bodies. The head of the Belarusian delegation emphasized that it is necessary today to more actively develop political ties between the two countries, and appealed to the Ukrainian parliament and Cabinet of Ministers to accelerate work on preparing an agree- ment on friendship and good-neighborly relations between the states. The sides concurred that many issues of cooperation cannot be resolved without a basic doc- ument, such as the future agreement. The parties also underscored the need for resolving problems important to both countries, which are con- nected with the elimination of the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident. The Ukrainian and Belarusian rep- resentatives concurred in their opinion that it is neces- sary to work out joint measures to that effect, as well as exert more active influence on public opinion in Western countries. This is connected with the fact, as Myacheslaw Hryb noted, that concern with our problems on the part of the international community, including the United Nations, is diminishing. The meeting was attended by heads of a number of permanent commissions of the Ukrainian Supreme Council and the Belarusian Supreme Soviet, as weil as This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 30 UKRAINE the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors— Volodymyr Zheliba of Ukraine to Belarus and Vital Kurashyk of Belarus to Ukraine. On the same day, Belarusian Supreme Soviet Chairman Myacheslaw Hryb delivered a speech at a plenary session of the Ukrainian Supreme Council. Delegation Talks Conclude LD2812204494 Kiev UNIAN in Ukrainian 1850 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Kiev—‘The economic situation in both Ukraine and Belarus demands that we seek ways out of the crisis, and I am confident that the main way to expand our contacts lies through the establishment of ties with Russia,” said Ukraine’s Supreme Council Chairman Oleksandr Moroz at a news conference on 28 December, which concluded the visit to Ukraine by a delegation of Belarusian members of parliament. Belarusian Parliament Speaker Myacheslaw Hryb agreed with Moroz on the objective dependence of the two economies on Russia. He stressed that both countries face similar problems and therefore need each other’s support in the search for solutions. Journalists were told that the visit resulted in an agree- ment on the development of interparliamentary rela- tions, exchange of law-making experience, and coordina- tion of laws for the benefit of stronger economic ties. According to the two sides’ coinmunique, they will contribute to the preparation of a bilateral treaty on friendship, neighborly relations, and cooperation between Ukraine and Belarus. Asked whether the leaders of both countries are treating the situation in Chechnya with excessive reserve, Oleksandr Moroz said that this kind of reaction is sufficient for the time being. At the same time, he said, there is a possibility that Ukraine would initiate a discussion on the Chechen conflict at the UN General Assembly. He said he will hold consultations with Pres- ident Leonid Kuchma on the issue in the near future. National Affairs _ Representatives Issue Chechnya Appeal to U AU2812151994 Kiev URYADOVYY KURYER in Ukrainian 27 Dec 94 p 1 (Unattributed report: “Appeal to the UN Secretary Gen- eral”) {FBIS Translated Text] Representatives of Ukrainian culture, science, public organizations, various political parties, and members of the Ukrainian parliament appealed to UN Secretary General Butrus Ghali and to the UN Security Council to raise their authoritative voices in defense of the people of the Chechen Republic. In accordance with fundamental international political FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 documents, Chechnya, like any other nation, has the right to self- determination. It is precisely the proclama- tion and the three-year existence of the Chechen Repub- lic’s independence, reads the appeal, that has caused the Russian aggression. Unless the right of the Chechen people to their own statehood is recognized, there can be no talk of maintaining human rights in that independent republic. The appeal was signed by more than 90 representatives of culture, literature, art, science, public organizations, political parties, and Ukraine’s people’s deputies. Foreign Minister Views NATO Expansion Issues AU2812130294 Kiev HOLOS UKRAYINY in Ukrainian 23 Dec 94 p 4 [Article by Foreign Minister Hennadiy Udovenko: “Architecture of European Security”} [FBIS Translated Text] The decisions adopted by the | December Brussels conference of NATO member coun- tries’ foreign ministers and the relevant discussion of the problem of “NATO expansion” during the CSCE summit in Budapest evoked great interest in Europe. Practically all observers noted differences in the attitude toward the problem on the part of the presidents of the United States and Russia as reflected in their speeches in Budapest. President B. Yeltsin even warned that “cold peace” may take shape in Europe, if plans to expand NATO by admitting some countries of Central and Eastern Europe are implemented. Attempts to grant the CSCE (despite its being renamed as Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) the status of a structure of collective security similar to that of NATO itself have so far been unsuccessful. All of this, as well as the absence of consensus among the CSCE member states regarding ways and mechanisms of settling the conflict in Bosnia, which was revealed in Budapest, indicated that today the question of working out a single approach to building a system of general European security remains open. How does Ukraine see itself in this context? Of course, for Ukraine, one of the main results of the Budapest CSCE conference was the signing, together with three nuclear powers, of a memorandum on guar- antees for its national security and also the granting of unilateral guarantees of similar content by the PRC and France. At the same time, given the enormous significance of these documents for our national security, one has to realize that Ukraine cannot remain aloof from the gen- eral Furopean debates on a new architecture of security that will characterize the European landscape in the 21Ist century and cannot help pondering over Ukraine’s place in that architecture. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Realistically assessing Ukraine’s geopolitical situation and potential and also the present situation in Europe, when some countries have found themselves in the so-called “security vacuum,” we must think aboui the future and take into account the fact that the emergence of new “dividing lines” on the continent, no matter where they are drawn. presents the greatest threat to all European countries and international relations in gen- eral. Clearly, not a single country will feel comfortable if such a “dividing line” runs across its territory. This also applies to Ukraine. That is why the principle of integral security has become one of our state’s major political principles in this sphere. There cannot be an effective system of European security in a divided Europe; nor can such a system be effective unless each of its members has equal rights and obligations. Ukraine, which once proclaimed its intention to become a neutral state, sees itself as an organic part of precisely such a future security system, which will encompass all interested European countries without exception, neu- tral ones included. Incidentally, traditionally “neutral” European states—Sweden, Finland, and Austria—have lately manifested a similar attitude toward this problem. In particular, Sweden and Finland have joined the NATO program “Partnership for Peace,” as Ukraine has also done, seeing in this one of the important measures for strengthening confidence in the military-political sphere. Being geographically a Central-Eastern European country, where Europe’s geographical center is situated, Ukraine seems to be destined by nature to play the role of a link between the political East and West. One of the possible mechanisms for achieving the goal of building a new trans-Atlantic security system, involving all countries of “an enlarged Europe,” is the develop- ment and strengthening of existing security institutions in the broad meaning of the word (CSCE, NATO, Western European Union, European Union) and their interaction and mutual openness to negotiations rather than competition. In other words, today the main ques- tion of a future architecture of European security is a kind of “division of duties” among the existing struc- tures for achieving a common goal. That is why the question of where Ukraine must be—in the East or in the West—is academic from the point of view of strategic and general European dimensions. Ukraine is situated at the center of Europe. The problem of “expanding NATO” must also be viewed in this respect. This process seems to be an objective one, since it combines the striving on the part of a large group of countries to join NATO and the readiness of the alliance itself to consider, in principle, conditions for its numer- ical expansion. Here, there cannot be any logical objec- tions or “the right of veto.” On the other hand, also taking into account the objective principle of integral security, if NATO expands instan- taneously and fast as a result of admitting to it our UKRAINE 31 eastern European neighbors, Ukraine will find itself in an absolutely new and “uncomfortable” situation in terms of the external parameters of its national security. This primarily concerns our relations with one <7 the priority partners—Russia, which occupies a negative position regarding NATO expansion. In view of these circumstances, the process of NATO expansion, which is today natural but involved, should not be artificially accelerated—it must be balanced, consecutive, evolutional, and natural and develop within the framework of various possibilities that would pre- clude the drawing of new dividing lines and would take into account the security interests of all European states, including Ukraine. In the process of such evolution, NATO must fulfill its role as a basic, leading, and stabilizing element in a future general European security system and must dissi- pate doubts on the expediency of its existence as a military-political alliance in the post-confrontation epoch. It is under such conditions that NATO will truly promote the building of a future security structure of one and indivisible democratic Europe in which neither individual states nor individual organizations will be in confrontation or remain outside general European secu- rity structures. The participation in such a structure will become one of the most important preconditions for Ukraine’s national security. New Constitution Expected by March 1995 AU2812151894 Kiev HOLOS UKRAYINY in Ukrainian 24 Dec 94 p 5 {Unattributed report: “The Constitution Will Come in Spring?”’} [FBIS Translated Text] It may be expected that the draft Ukrainian Constitution will be ready in March 1995— this was the assumption voiced by Albert Kornyeyev, secretary of the Constitutional Commission. He hopes that, by spring, the Supreme Council will also be “ripe” to adopt the main law. Problems and prospects of the constitutional process in Ukraine were discussed at the “roundtable” with the participation of representatives of parties of social democratic denomination (the Labor Congress, the Party of Ukraine’s Democratic Revival, the Green Party, the Interregional Reform Bloc, and so on) and members of the aforementioned commission. The commission presently includes 38 persons: 15 from the Supreme Council, 15 from the Presidential Admin- istration, and the rest represent the Crimean Autono- mous Republic, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the Supreme Arbitration Court, and the Procu- rator General's Office. The members of the commission are “armed” with four drafts of the Ukrainian Constitu- tion prepared by the Presidential Administration, State and Law Institute, Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists, and Ukraine’s Christian Democratic Party, and also by current constitutions of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Italy. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 32 UKRAINE Poll: Majority of Crimeans Favor Restoring USSR LD2812205794 Kiev UNIAR in Ukrainian 1930 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Simferopol, 28 Dec—Some 69.99 percent of Crimea residents voted in favor of restoring the USSR as a single union state in a poll by Krym-Socis sociology service and the Crimean Govern- ment’s Center for Regional Development. Some 13.6 percent said “tno”, 15.01 percent were uncertain and 1.41 percent gave no reply. A total of 993 people were polled in five towns and five rural areas. Crimean Groups Protest Western Influence WS2912103894 Kiev INTELNEWS in English 0025 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Sevastopol, Dec. 26—About 400 Sevastopol residents participated Sunday [25 December] in a “meeting against poverty, cold and starvation” organized by city branches of Electors’ Movement For Republic Of Crimea and the Rossiya Party of Crimea [RPC]. Participants blamed world leaders for the economic crisis in Ukraine and called for Crimean unification with Russia. “Local authorities are led by the International Monetary Fund and world capital that thrust so-called Western democracy on the great state and caused the break-up of its economy. Experienced European policy makers keep pushing us towards a war against our brothers by allo- cating billion of dollars,” Sergey Shuvaynikov and FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Andrey Maziuk, leaders of RPC, and the Sevastopol Women’s League Chair Natalia Vasilieva said in a group statement. “Ukraine is not able to support Sevastopol, so the city and the whole fleet should become Russian again, rees- tablishing historical justice,” said Boris Serov and Yuriy Bastrikov, leaders of Electors Movement. Participants adopted an appeal to the Russian Parlia- ment to carry out practical measures to make Sevastopol a Russian city. National Bank Clarifies Monetary Emission Reports WS2912104094 Lvov INFOBANK in English 2031 GMT 28 Dec 94 [““News Service”’} [FBIS Transcribed Text] Kiev—The National Bank of Ukraine clarified information reported by certain sources in the mass media regarding an additional mon- etary emission in the amount of 23 trillion karbovantsi. The National Bank’s press service stated that an initial credit emission is being carried out only within the limits determined acceptable by Ukraine’s Supreme Council for 1994. However, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Vitaliy Masol does not rule out the possibility of such an emission in 1995. According to Masol, it would be preferable to carry out a small emission in order to purchase coal rather than to shut down the energy sector and have no inflation. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Belarus Lukashenka Delivers National Address LD2812232994 Minsk Radio Minsk Network in Belarusian 2003 GMT 27 Dec 94 [Address to the nation by Belarusian President Alyak- sandr Lukashenka—live or recorded; monitored in progress] [FBIS Translated Text] All the deputies who, as I have already said, supported at the time Supreme Soviet chairman Hryb, on the issue of dissolution of the com- mittee, are now proposing to set up a new commission. Why? Maybe the facts are weightier now? No, absolutely not. Not at all weightier. It is simply that one has to set up a commission today because it will be unambiguously directed against the current president and against his entourage, as it is now a custom to call it. Many out of the so-called facts which the reporter quoted are two and three years old. Most of them were known before, a number of them were investigated and their incorrect- ness was proved. No, they have to be unearthed again, interpreted - anew way the aim being to throw mud at the peopl: close to the president. Esteemed citizens of the Republic of Belarus, since this issue has become virtually the most important issue today not just in the streets and in the kitchens, but also at the rallies of many political activists, I would like to turn your attention to just one fact: the report of the Belarusian Popular Front did not give a single fact which would concern the period of the activities of the admin- istration of the president. Remember, the president set up his administration by his decree on 20 August 1994, i.e., approximately three months ago. Put on my table the facts of corruption in the administration during that period and I will be prepared to take responsibility for them. Why are you blaming me for what happened in 1991, 1992 and 1993? Was it not Lukashenka who was shouting about it from the rostrum of the Supreme Soviet and demanded that measures should be taken. Why am I today blamed for things that should not be [word indistinct]. Many accusations, which were pre- sented in that report are all (?absurd) and many facts which are quoted in it [words indistinct]. And when we [words indistinct] of the report and the reporter who all of a sudden became a little Napoleon and is walking around today with a proudly lifted head, we will see that it is [words indistinct]. And even where the facts are concerned: let’s take the case of [word indistinct], the known (?murder) of [word indistinct]. You remember when Lukashenka was speaking about the billions which were issued by the National Bank through the Belbiznesbank and other banks to certain structures [words indistinct]. That was how Lukashenka was putting the question. The uproar began then. But till today [word indistinct] the guilty have not been found. WESTERN REGION 33 But the great anticorruption activist had to turn those facts against not other than the current prime minister Chyhir who has no connection to that case, but he found himself [word indistinct). How can the head of the government after that [words indistinct]? Or take the facts which were quoted regarding Vabishch, as was said, although the real sur- name of that person is Vabishchevich. [word indistinct] Lukashenka allegedly [word indistinct] money by that person, who disappeared after that in an unknown direction and has not yet been traced by us. it was he who took money out by the million in sacks from the savings bank of our republic. That fact has been again raised but it is now directed against the current [word indistinct]. It happened two years ago. Such an approach toward presenting facts has been poured upon the unprepared population like a storm. You, esteemed nation, or part of it, are now ready to crush [word indistinct] our idol, the current president, and believe that he is stealing too. How can I understand you, esteemed electors? You believed me, you elected me. How can one manage to squander the republic in three months? There was nothing to steal. (?Everything had been taken). Where were you then, the gentlemen who are today [word indistinct] actively fighting corrup- tion. The stealing began when the state broke up in 1991. Did you forget who initiated that break up? Did you forget who was shouting (?socialist empire)? Did you forget [words indistinct] the presenti day national-fascists [words indistinct] turn into such a storm of applause. When I am told about the orientation of [words indis- tinct] I become (?frightened) [word indistinct] because if our people [words indistinct] the fate of nationalism and rule of nationalists, if they (?wanted it) they would probably have elected the president and would perceive [words indistinct] at the presidential elections. Forgive me for appealing to you, esteemed electors, but having elected me as president, you are now prepared to leave me face to face with those problems and those enraged people who [words indistinct]. 1 am ready to meet this fate and I will [word indistinct] it as if [words indistinct]. I will not allow anybody to break me and to put me down. The essence of the underwater part of the iceberg, the top of which is the political show staged in the parliament, is that the president and his team should not be in the way of [words indistinct]. Do you think that the report which was delivered by the members of the Belarusian Popular Front in the Supreme Soviet was (?really) based on their Own investigation, as was stated, by 200 patriots, who love Belarus? Maybe there are not any more patriots in Belarus, only those 200. These are facts supplied first of all by people, formerly in power and who were removed from the source of their income; these are facts supplied from the Procurator’s Office of the Republic of Belarus - in this case I can clearly see the position of Vasil Shaladonaw This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 34 WESTERN REGION and I will tell you about it in due course; these are facts supplied by the Control Chamber, certain members of the Control Chamber. I mean the report of the members of the Belarussian Popular Front. | am often told by communists and by leftists, you, Lukashenka, are deliv- ering power on your own shoulders to the Belarusian Patriotic Front. No, it is not Lukashenka who is bringing nationalists to power, it is not Lukashenka, it is you and but first of all your people’s deputies. But believe me, may be very soon, you will have to deal with the results of your actions. We have most resolutely, for example, streamlined deliveries of oil products on the republic’s quotas. While before this issue was dealt with by, as I have already told you, over 150 big and little firms, today only 4 of them are left. In order to explain to you the essence of the conversa- tion, I will tell you the following: yesterday from Russia, and today still too, 150 firms supplied oil to our two oil processing plants in Mozyr and Novopolotsk. Each of them had huge profits from that while robbing our population. Yes, I could fight with those 150 firms on each of the facts quoted in the report of the Patriotic Front. I could have made dozens of such reports but that would not have changed from that; therefore we stroke at the root. My decree deprived those 150 firms of deliveries for 1995 and they have been substituted by 4 firms which will supply the same amount of oil to our market. Du .9u think that those 150 firms turned down by me will take it calmly? Just imagine how many people’s deputies, politicians, economists, lawyers and various political movements are behind those 150 firms. How many such political activists who milked those commercial stiuc- tures and expected to carry on doing that at the forth- coming elections? Did you think that they would forgive Lukashenka? No, they will never forgive him. And they joined in actively in preparing that report. All that brotherhood used that one little Napoleon against Lukashenka in the Supreme Soviet. One should under- stand today this circumstance. There is another fact. Do you know why the draft law on amendments to the taxation legislation failed to pass in the parliament despite the fact that such a draft law would considerably reduce tax (?pressure)? There is only one reason: the president proposed to increase tax on goods turnover of commercial structures to 5 percent. What do you think? Even in the West they started to stamp their feet and threaten the president: if you do this we will close markets in the West, you cannot increase tax to 5 percent for commercial structures. And those commercial structures, having sensed that, organized immediately all deputies who receive profits from those commercial structures. As a result the Supreme Soviet declined that draft law and is not being considered at all. In that connection the state budget is not considered either. Forgive my rudeness, but the deputies do not give a damn if doctors and teachers will not receive their wages FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 tomorrow and that students and pensioners will not receive their pensions. It is not the main thing. The main thing is to shout from the rostrum of the Supreme Soviet and from the microphones—and God forbid the chairman of the State Television and Radio Company will not broadcast this circus in the evening. He will be dragged to the rostrum with yet another demand to resign. Let’s stop it, esteemed people’s deputies. You should know the score. You promised to people that you would go, so you should go honestly and stop being in the way of work. Sooner or later people will understand every- thing. There is another reason which stands out clearly for preparing and delivering that report. We have begun in practice to form an economic union of the CIS republics. Over the past months we have achieved considerable results in our economic relations with Russia, Uzbeki- stan, Ukraine. This is what the authors of the report are afraid of. These are the processes that they want to crush. Is it not true? We are now practically close to an economic union with Russia and other states. As no other republic we are working intensively on restoring the broken links. As a result, what do we have? Follow this chain, the elections took place, but they did not comply with the scenario which somebody wanted. A certain lull followed when they were simply shocked and depressed. But no, after that retired generals, Pawlaw, Lavitski, Bacharow, Kazlowski and [word indistinct], organized [word indistinct] in the republic because the president did not keep them in his team and I could not keep them. Do you remember when the president had a misfortune to go away for medical treatment for ten days? Do you remember what those mass media did in the Republic of Belarus? Do you remember what line the Supreme Soviet took? You remember. But they did not succeed. What next? Next is the appeal of independent and bound trade unions to a strike, then a report of the BPF in the Supreme Soviet—a new wave of the anti-president cam- paign, more appeals to a strike. The president leaves for Uzbekistan and is absent for three days -the Supreme Soviet raised a whole storm against the President. 1 thought to myself: maybe | should not even leave the republic. I should permanently be here. [words indistinct] which I should solve outside our state. And again at the head of this storm—former generals, removed from power. Do you remember after that—blank windows in the newspapers. I would like to talk about that separately. Nobody ever forbade to print this or that information. When I was leaving for Uzbekistan the head of the directorate of socio-political information, Fyaduta, reported that not a single editor-in-chief will print that report before it has been investigated, even the Supreme Soviet did not consider the issue of printing that report however hard the BPF insisted on that. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 There was one aim—to defile the President through his entourage, to libel him before his electors. Mr [word indistinct] did not talk about it either. The president left and already in Uzbekistan he received information that SOVETSKAYA BELORUSSIYA had come out with blank windows and as an act of solidarity next day other newspapers did the same. Today it is customary to shout a lot about freedom of press and print. But one clever person, I think prof. Akulov, I recently heard his speech on the radio, he said that if you want freedom, be free at your own expense. But let’s look at SOVETSKAYA BELARUS and how free it is and where it gets its money. 1992, in those prices—subsidies from the budget is 53 million plus 36 million plus 24 million... altogether they received 309 million rubles from the budget—and it is in those prices! It means that they took that money away from teachers, doctors and pensioners. 1993—the subsidy is 248 mil- lion rubles. Let us look closer, this year before the denomination—the subsidy from the budget: Febru- ary—100 million rubles, which is half monthly circula- tion; March and April—250 million rubles for half monthly circulation; May—1 billion rubles which was almost their monthly circulation. And they today owe money to the budget and the state reserve. Why, do you want to be free at the expense of the state? Produce money from your own pocket, create your own newspaper and then be free. It is easy to be free at somebody else’s expense. The newspaper SOVETSKAYA BELORUSSIYA has recently approached the president asking him to give it editorial freedom. I am stating today straightforwardly: I am setting you free, go and create a new newspaper and be free. But SOVETSKAYA BELORUSSIYA is a people’s newspaper, it has always served the nation and it will stay such a people’s newspaper. Why did the editor-in-chief of that newspaper do such a thing? Because very recently the presidential control service has discovered his hard currency account, opened in his wife’s name who allegedly lives in Ger- many and has an apartment there. And the money earned by that newspaper, our money, people’s money, I have already said that we subsidize it from the budget, had been transferred to the hard currency account of his wife. How was I supposed to act? The editor-in-chief knew that. And he took those actions in order to pretend later that he had been offended expecting that the president of the republic would not resort to strict measures. I have fired him. I must note thai the story of blank windows in newspa- pers and the subsequent failure to print a number of newspaper issues did not catch me unaware. Strict but necessary measures have been taken. In that connection I would like to address mass media first of all with the following, do not forget, esteemed [name indistinct] and esteemed [name indistinct], that you are on the territory of a sovereign republic and please be so kind as to respect WESTERN REGION 35 its laws. I'll comment on another matter because it more and more often appears in mass media. You remember the story which concerned the sale of the military com- plex S-300 PMU-1. Today there is an attempt to present Lukashenka as a corrupt figure who has sold abroad [words indistinct]. In the face of my electors, I would like first of all to tell Russian people who are today listening to me on a special channel. The Republic of Belarus has never had the complex S-300 PMU-1 among its weapons. Esteemed official representative of the Russian State, you should look for clues in your own country, and not in the Republic of Belarus. I think you will find there people who will prompt you as to who is selling that complex, for how much [words indistinct] and please sort it out. Esteemed Belarusian people, [words indis- tinct] I have told you about the real situation. It is extremely important today that the Supreme Soviet should start dealing with practical issues and with mea- sures which (71), our people and our country need. It is not the time now for [word indistinct] and I am saying this again to the Supreme Soviet because tomorrow our economy can collapse (?if we do not) adopt the law on the state budget. As the head of state, I am appealing now, and has done it earlier, to the chairman of the Supreme Soviet and the members of the Presidium: let’s convene immediately and confirm the budget and after that you can take as much time off as you like. But make it possible for me to work. Give the government a chance to prevent final ruin which you have once caused. I insist that the session of the Supreme Soviet should convene before the New Year. For that we should convene for one day and we should adopt the law which you must adopt according to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. If the leadership of the Supreme Soviet turns down my request I am asking all those deputies who are prepared today to cooperate with the president to meet at the president’s office, we must discuss without delay the most important issues and first priority directions in our work. I will work with those who will come to me and stand (?beside me). If in the next few days, the Republic of Belarus will have no budget through the fault of the Supreme Soviet, I will be forced to appeal again to the deputies and maybe to people of the Republic of Belarus for support in taking certain measures in order to prevent the final collapse of our statehood. We can really lose our statehood if we take such steps. I have already decided for myself. I have not just taken upon myself the full volume of presidential power but also the burden of his responsibility before people. I am ready to and will work in the interests of people, for people and will be accountable to them. It is my position and I will not give it up. I am again urging those who share such an approach to stop fruitless discussions and start collective constructive work. Many deputies came to me today. Such deputies like Olga Golubovich and many others who have never supported the position of This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 36 WESTERN REGION the president and they asked for sine thing: Alyaksandr Rygoravich, for god’s sake, your appearance today and further steps of yours should consolidate us. I respect your opinion, I have always done and will always do only what will be directed towards our consolidation. But at last, you should also understand me. I cannot bear without end when mud is thrown not just at me but also at the people who came with me. When personalities are crushed forgetting that they have loved ones, children, wives and parents. One of my supporters has very recently approached me and asked ine to let him go home and see his mother who is very ill. When he came back he said that he had hardly entered when his mother said: when I sent you, my son, to Minsk you were not a robber, but it turns out that you became one there. What can that person tell his own mother? How could he look her in the eye. I understand that politics are a dirty business but it is desirable that those politics should have as much decency as possible. I am very often asked, what image of me will be entered in history as the first President of Belarus. I answer clearly: I will enter the history in the image that Belarusian peop! want to have of me. The mafia, deprived of its well, has today decided to remove Lukashenka, the first Belarusian president, from power. You will not succeed in that, « steemed gentlemen. The first Belarusian presi- dent is here seriously and for long. Thank you very much for attention. See you again in several days. Speaks on CIS, Presidential Powers LD2812155994 Bratislava Rozhlasova Stanica Slovensko Network in Slovak 1100 GMT 28 Dec 94 {““Highlights” of exclusive interview with Belarus Presi- dent Alyaksandr Lukashenka by Bratislava radio Moscow correspondent Maria Mikusova; in Minsk, “recently;"’ Lukashenka speaks in Russian with superim- posed Slovak translation—recorded] [FBIS Translated Text] [Mikusova] We would be inter- ested in heazing your response to the three possible scenarios of development on post-Soviet territory. Which of the three scenarios will Belarus take part in? Will it be toward a federal set-up of the CIS states? Will it be separate development of individual states, or will it be the scenario according to which one of the states—but not Russia—will unify some of the states? [Lukashenka] Belarus and its president have already voiced the firm intention to renew good relations, above all between the former Soviet Slav republics, or in other words between Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. We would like to see Kazakhstan joining in. I believe that these tendencies will grow. This was the idea with which I went into the elections. But other options cannot be ruled out either. These are that the republics will develop relatively independently and that, at the same time, they will focus not only on the unity I have mentioned, but also on establishing contacts with FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 other states, perhaps mainly with the western states as in the case of the Baltic republics. At this very moment I am not able to say that unification with the Baltic states would be possible, for they have firmly focused on the West. But as far as Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia are concerned, the drive toward bringing these states closer together is likely to increase. {Mikusova] In Belarus there are many nationalities— Poles, Lithuanians, Russians, Tatars, and Slovaks. Do you not fear that ethnic disputes could generate unrest as was the case in the Caucasus, as it were? And while on this topic, what do you think is the reason for the current strong tension in the world? [Lukashenka] You spoke about strong tension and you have actually put it mildly. You should have asked why there are wars and why they are wars on the territory of the former Soviet Union in particular. Wars exist because there have been and there still are unwise politicians who think that human blood is water. But the point is that human blood is not water, as we say in our country. All this is the work of unwise policies, of some politicians and groups. As far as Belarus is concerned, I believe that events like those in Karabakh cannot in any way take place in our country. No such thing will ever happen here. It will be prevented by our mentality and by the steady policies of the present state leadership. {[Mikusova] What are your guarantees for these claims? [Lukashenka] The guarantees are inherent not only in the traditions of our nation but also in the political line we have started to implement which aims at the preser- vation of the state. You must understand that everything is based on the economy. The objective of all economic changes is the preservation of the state as an institution which must protect people and prevent similar discords. We must not allow anyone to put into action any idea that crosses his or her mind. For example, we must not allow the criminal world—which is trying to do this—to disrupt our economy and bring the state under its control as, for example, in Russia. This must not happen. We will fight against it with all our might. We will preserve statehood and this will be the guarantee. And a political line based on common sense is also a guarantee, as has already been said. [Mikusova] You have been president for only a short time. Can you already say what the parameters of your power are—narrow or wide? [Lukashenka] According to our constitution, presidential power is not a narrow corridor but a wide space. Our constitution gives the president the competences of tsar, like the Russian tsars used to have in the past. Therefore, I need no further powers. Furthermore, the constitution gives me the power to annul normative laws which violate the constitution. The dimensions of the corri- dor—as you described my competences—are sufficient This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 to initiate changes. It is a different question if some political forces, movements, and unsuccessful leading figures want to undermine the president, to abuse his power, to change the situation, and destabilize society. If anyone tries to limit the presidential powers as defined by the constitution, or tries to violate the reforms carried out by the president in keeping with the constitution, I will use the most severe means at my disposal to prevent it. Official Denies S-300 ‘Sellout of Russian Secrets’ LD2812144394 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1320 GMT 28 Dec 94 (FBIS Transcribed Text] Minsk, Dec 28 (Interfax- West)—The recent sale of components of an air defence complex (C-300 PMU) [S-300] to the Canadian-U.S. A.T.O.S. firm is not in breach of any international agreements, Deputy Foreign Minister Valeriy Tsepkalo told a news conference in Minsk on Tuesday. Earlier, the Moscow-based IZVESTIYA newspaper car- ried an article about the secret sale of that complex to the United States. Tsepkalo said that only parts of the complex were sold including its radar and power units. He said the deal was struck by the Beltekhexport commercial structure and the Belarusian government knew about it as well as Moscow because the appropriate documents bear the signature of one of Russian Vice Premiers. It was suggested that the Russian defence ministry which provided a military transport aircraft to carry the cargo was also in the knowledge of the nature of the contract. Tsepkalo denied that the deal amounts to “‘a sellout of Russian secrets” saying the complex was developed when the Soviet Union was still alive and i.s electronics manufactured at Belarusian defence-related plants. The deputy minister said “the complex could be taken apart but duplicating it without knowing what technol- ogies were used to make it is impossible. It would take billions of dollars and a lot of time to do so while military technology will have made a large stride by then.” Belarus has only one anti-aircraft missile complex C-300 PMU and the defence ministry is not going to sell it, Defence Minister Anatol Kastenka told Interfax com- menting on the IZVESTIYA article. He said this was assembled as a training unit at the academy of air defences in Minsk which also trains students from CIS member-states and a number of African and Asian countries. The air defence systems of the national army are of different modification, Kastenka said adding there were several such systems intended to protect air space over Minsk and other large cities. The defence ministry has no plans of selling them, be said. WESTERN REGION 37 Weapons Thefts, Sales Seen To Increase MM2812150994 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 4 [Report by Aleksandr Starikevich: “Antiaircraft Missile Systems Were on Sale in a Commercial Booth”]} [FBIS Translated Text] Minsk—Belorussia [Belarus] has been lucky recently when it comes to such weapons as anti-aircraft missile systems. Before the scandal over the sale of S-300 PMU anti-aircraft missile systems had had time to die down it was discovered that several Igla systems had fallen into private hands. The Igla anti-aircraft missile system is characterized by compactness and its ability to strike targets at any altitude. By virtue of these qualities it can be categorized in international classification as a terrorist weapon. For tow trucks are not needed to transport it. The Igla is fully portable. Shematko, a soldier in Military Unit No. 92579, passed three such systems to Zharikov, an acouaintance of his. The theft was certainly not discovered immediately. So all the interested parties were very lucky that the weapons were stolen not to order but with the intention of selling them should the opportunity arise. The first attempt to sell the Iglas was made through entrepreneur acquaintances. The systems were on the counter of an ordinary commercial booth for about 10 days. They were not asking a high price: just $1,500. Then the dealers called the “owners” and asked them to take the commodity back as it was not in demand. It is interesting that the militia received information at the time about a trade in anti-aircraft systems. But they took that information to be an inoffensive practical joke. After the abortive attempt to push the Iglas through the commercial network Zharikov and Zhuk, his acquain- tance, hid the systems in a shed belonging to a 70- year-old granny. True, without her knowledge. They were found there by military counterintelligence and Prosecutor’s Office staffers. This time the danger is over. But thefts of weapons from th: Belorussian armed forces have recently assumed massive proportions. The next time criminals make off with a ballistic missile, hardly anyone will guarantee that it will all turn out just as relatively harmlessly. Journalists Concerned Over Blank Papers, Firing LD2812204594 Minsk Radiostantsiya Belarus International Service in Belarusian 1900 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] The Executive Committee of the International Confederation of Journalists’ Unions expressed concern over the facts of violation of the freedom of speech in Belarus. In its opinion, the issue of newspapers with blank windows and the sacking of the editor-in-chief of the newspaper SOVETSKAYA This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 38 WESTERN REGION BELORUSSIYA is evidence of violation of human rights regarding access to information. In the statement distrib- uted by the committee, it is stressed that Belarussian journalism enjoys high respect among the journalists’ community. We have no doubts that aspiration for [words indistinct], firmness, common sense, and ability to protect their rights will be shown in today’s difficult situation, says the document. Editors’ Organization Forms, Names Head W$2912093794 Minsk Radio Minsk Network in Belarusian 0400 GMT 29 Dec 94 {FBIS Translated Text] An association of chief editors of Belarus’ leading publications has been established in Minsk. It is expected that the new organization will contribute to the consolidation of professional solidarity in the protection of journalists’ rights, as well as advo- cate the rights and interests of newspaper staffs before the legislative and executive authorities and the founders of a publication. As the RID news agency has learned, Mikalay Kernoha, editor in chief of RESPUBLIKA, and ZNAMYA YUNOSTI Chief Editor Mikhail Katyush- enka were elected co-chairmen of the association. Moldova 1995 Budget Provides for ‘Moderate’ Deficit AU2812203094 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 27 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 27/ 12/1994—The Moldovan Parliament adopted the 1995 State Budget on December 22. The state budget revenues are to be 1,150.8 million lei, expenditures 1,450.8 mil- lion, with deficit of 300 million, or 3.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP). The GDP is planned to be 7.9 billion lei next year. In 1993, the budget deficit reached 6.5 percent of the GDP, and in 1994 it is expected to be 4 to 4.5 percent of the GDP. Finance Minister Valeriu Chitan believes that ‘“‘such a moderate budget deficit will help the government to avoid additional introduction of cash into circulation, which will provide for a further curbing of inflation. In 1994, the annual rate of inflation shall not exceed 100 percent, assured Leonid Talmaci, president of the National Bank. In the previous year, the indicator was over 2,000 percent. Upon the whole, the revenues of the so-called consoli- dated budget, which includes also local budgets, are to be 1,790.4 million lei, and expenditures 2,090.4 million. The budget deficit shall be covered with credits granted by the National Bank (60 million lei), with means obtained from selling securities (40 million), and external loans (200 million). FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 The chief source of budget revenues shall be the value- added tax, profit tax and excise duties, that are to yield over 656 million lei. The land tax, that used to be purely symbolic in the past, shall be substantially increased. The tax rate per hectare of land shall be 154.2 lei ($36.7), and it is expected to bring 64.7 million lei to the budget. According to independent experts, the Moldovan fiscal system—in case laws on excise duties, on bank taxes, and on taxes for supply structures are adopted—is likely to cope with financing the budget expenditures. With the help of the so-called “‘non-traditional” sources, the budget expects to receive 140 million lei from privatization of state-owned property for money. And another 60 million will be derived from the National Bank’s incomes. Capital investment expenditures are planned to be 200 million lei. Power structures (Ministries of Defence, National Security, and Interior) are to receive 183 mil- lion, which, as the finance minister said, is going to cover a mere 53 percent of the real needs. The state apparatus will cost 18.7 million lei to Mold- ovan tax- payers, or 1.3 percent budgetary expenditures. And the budget envisages a 30 percent reduction of the apparatus staff in 1995. The State Budget envisages 120 million lei for servicing Moldova’s internal and external debts. 60 million is allocated to be repaid to the National Bank for the credits granted to the government during 1994. Seventy million is earmarked for gradual, phased index- ation of monetary deposits of population as on January 1, 1992. The Parliament has determined that, beginning from January 1995, the indexation shall cover the deposits of citizens aged 60 and older—by 100 lei each three months. The budget does not envisage wage increases as such, but provides for 40 million lei to raise wages which are below the monthly average at present. Depending on success in budget implementation, wages and allowances may be raised for some categories of the population. PCM Elects Central Committee, Defines Issues AU2812180894 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 27 Dec 94 {FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 27/ 12/1994—The Moldovan Communist Party (PCM) held its constituent congress in Chisinau last Saturday [24 December]. The congress elected the party’s Central Committee and Political Executive Committee, the latter having 11 members. Vladimir Voronin was elected first secretary of the PCM Central Committee, and Anton Miron and Florin Khristev—secretaries, both with equal plenary powers. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 The constituent congress gathered 389 delegates repre- senting local party units from all over Moldova, including from Dniester. Viadimir Voronin presented a report that contained an analysis of the socioeconomic and political situation in Moldova. “Moldovan Communists are against the republic’s joining NATO, against capitalization of the republic, and robbing the entire population of its prop- erty under the disguise of privatization,” Voronin said in his report. According to him, the communists are in opposition to the “ruling regime. The power in the former Soviet republics has been captured by people who had been professional ‘builders of socialism’ just very recently. During a very short time they managed to create a situation under which about 90 percent population found themselves below the poverty level, and the rate of mortality exceeds the birth rate. People were deprived of their right to work and of free education. The new education concept provides no possibility for the poor to get a decent education,” Voronin said. In his opinion, “things happening in Moldova now are nothing but a genocide against Moldovan citizens.” The communists will have to establish contacts with other political forces and movements, the report stressed. In Voronin’s view, the left forces in Moldova are too weak. The Unity (Internationalist) Movement cannot count on becoming PCM’s ally in rural areas, and the communists have to support the Socialist Party in places where they have stronger positions than the PCM. The Communist Party had no contacts with the ruling Agrarian Democratic Party [PDAM], Voronin said. He is convinced that it is very important for the communists to have such contacts with PDAM members in localities, because “all of them were communist in the recent past. If they decide to return to the Communist Party, they will be welcome and hear no reproaches, because they did not know when the Communist Party would return to the political arena.” In his opinion, the relationship between communists on both sides of the Dniester should proceed from the principles of the Moldova’s territorial integrity. The party territorial structure should be as it used to be before the August of 1991. The Western states are pursuing an enslaving policy against the former Soviet republics, he believes. The West is against our uniting into a single state or a federation. ““We are organically in need of one another, that is why the republics have to establish a new union,” Voronin stressed. In his opinion, the slogan forwarded by the recent Congress of the USSR Peoples, “For Union of Peoples, Federations and Territories!” was a correct slogan. WESTERN REGION 39 Moldovan communists believe that the present-day Moldovan Government is incapable of solving even a single cardinal problem. “They believe it would be an honest step of the government's to resign. And after the resignation, a national accord government has to be formed.” Voronin said. The communist leader said his party had its own pro- gram for overcoming the present crisis. It includes such sections as anti- banditism struggle, support for agricul- ture, economic cooperation with all former Soviet repub- lics. Parliament Adopts Gagauzia ‘Special Status’ AU2812170094 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 23 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 23/ 12/1994—The Moldovan Parliament adopted the law “On Special Legal Status of Gagauz-Eri” (Gagauzia) today. 69 deputies voted for, and 2 against. As was already reported by INFOTAG, the opposition factions of the Popular Front and the Bloc of Peasants and Intellectuals refused to take part in the discussion. 16 deputies in the factions quitted the room in protest. They explained that by stating that the law was the first step toward federalization of Moldova. By the new law, the southern areas of Moldova, where Gagauzes compactly live, will form “a territorial autonomous unit with a special status, as a form of self-determination of the Gagauz people in the framework of the Republic of Moldova.” Towns and villages, in which Gagauzes constitute over 50 percent population, shall join Gagauz-Eri on their own free will expressed in local referendums to be conducted in conformity with Moldovan legislation. Referendums may be held also in populated localities where Gagauzes constitute less than 50 percent popula- tion, but only if a referendum is demanded by a min- imum of one-third local citizens. Secession from Gagauz-Eri shall also be through local referendums. Governance in Gagauzia shall be run on the basis of the Moldovan Constitution, Moldovan laws, and regulatory enactments of the People’s Assembly—iocal legislative body. The law determines the competence of the People’s Assembly, procedure of promulgation of local laws, and formation of local government bodies. The Assembly's competence includes adoption of laws in the fields of culture, science, education, housing, health services, physical culture and sports, local budget, financial and tax activities, economy, ecology, labour relations, social protection and social insurance. Any Gagauz laws that contradict to the Moldovan legis- lation have no juridical power. Gagauzia’s supreme official is Bashkan (Head), whom all local executive bodies are inferior to. Bashkan shall be This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 40 WESTERN REGION elected for a term of 4 years by universal, equal and direct elections, with secret ballot, and on an alternative basis. By Moldovan presidential decree, Bashkan shall be appointed deputy prime minister of the Republic of Moldova. The law reads that “should the Republic of Moldova change its official legal status, the Gagauz people acquire the right for external self-determination.” Official languages in Gagauzia are Gagauzian, Mold- ovan and Russian. Own symbols are admissible, along- side with the state symbols of the Republic of Moldova. The law determines the order of electing the People’s Assembly, of forming local executive structures, court and prosecutor systems, interior authorities and interior troops. The heads of all these structures are inferior and accountable before appropriate agencies of the Republic of Moldova. The Gagauz capital shall also be determined through a referendum. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Gagauzes are a Turkic ethnic minority of the Orthodox religion. They consider themselves to be a people, and the new law does not deny that. There are 153,000 Gagauzes living in the southern areas of Moldova. In 27 towns and villages they constitute over 50 percent population, with a somewhat lower proportion in another 15 localities. These 42 units may potentially accede to Gagauz-Eri. Opposition Voices Opinions AU2812181894 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 27 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 27/ 12/1994—The adoption of the Gagauz status law has laid a basis for final territorial split of the Republic of Moldova, reads the statement of the opposition Chris- tian Democratic Popular Front [FPCD] published today in TARA, the Front’s paper. The statement underlines that the decision voted for by the Agrarian Democratic Party of Moldova and Socialist Unity faction contradicts to the interests of the repub- lic’s entire population and to the Council of Europe’s recommendations. The Popular Front has stated that the Turkic minority, which constitutes a mere 2.5-percent population, shall receive 10 percent of the territory of Moldova, along with such privileges as the right to have a legislature, to re-shape boundaries inside the state, to govern the terri- tory, “the right for external self-determination should the population in the Republic of Moldova, driven by its own will and in accordance with international law, decide to restore its national unity.” The Popular Front believes that the new law legalizes ethnic isolationism and initiates federalization of the Republic of Moldova. “This is one more proof that the present-day ruling force is dependent on the former FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 parent state, and it serves Moscow’s geopolitical inter- ests alien to the aspirations of our nation seeking unity and freedom,” the statement reads. Gagauz Leader Calls Law ‘Optimum’ AU2812171194 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 23 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 23/ 12/1994—Those representatives of the Gagauz adminis- tration, who took part in discussing the Gagauz status law in the Moldovan Parliament, said the new law was an optimum solution of the Gagauz problem. The chairman of the Gagauz Parliament, Mikhail Kendige- lean, told INFOTAG, “‘the law allows to launch concrete restructuring of Gagauzia as an integral part of Moldova, and solve all problems faced by Gagauzes.” In his opinion, in very near future referendums will be held that will determine which localities will join Gagau- zia. After this, elections to the People’s Assembly shall be held. They may be conducted together with the Mold- ovan local elections due in next April. “At the first sitting of the People’s Assembly, the present-day Parliament of the Gagauz Republic shall resign. At that very moment the self-proclaimed Gagauz Republic shall cease its existence, and a new territorial unit, Gagauz-Eri, shall emerge as an integral part of the Republic of Moldova,” Kendigelean said. CIS Delegation, Officials Discuss Dniester AU2812203194 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 27 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 27/ 12/1994—A delegation of the CIS Parliamentary Assembly, headed by the deputy chairman of the Rus- sia’s Council of Federation, Valerian Viktorov, arrived to Moldova for a working visit Monday [26 December]. The delegation came to the republic on the invitation of Parliament Chairman Petru Lucinschi to familiarize themselves with the problems of settling the Dniester conflict. On Monday, the guests—members of parliaments from several CIS states—met with Petru Lucinschi, experts of the CSCE Permanent Mission to Moldova, with Foreign Ministry officials, and other high- ranked officials directly involved in solving the Dniester conflict. Petru Lucinschi told about initiatives undertaken by the Moldovan leadership to settle the conflict, having stressed that the steps were being blocked by the Tiraspol administration. He also indicated the problem faced by Moldovan-language schools in Dniester, where the Latin script had been categorically prohibited by local leaders. Valerian Viktorov has spoken for soonest-possible solu- tion of the problem, because any delays would inevitably produce new complications. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 The delegation left for Tiraspol today, to meet with local administration and the commander of the Russian 14th Army, Aleksandr Lebed. The delegation of the CIS Parliamentary Assembly, headed by the deputy chairman of the Russia’s Council of Federation, Valerian Viktorov, met with the Dniester leadership today. Valerian Viktorov has shaped the aim of their visit as “rendering assistance in solving the Dniester conflict.” This is the third group of the CIS Parliamentary Assembly, after the previous two worked in Nagorno- Karabakh and Georgia-Abkhazia. “We are not seeking to present ready recipes of how to settle the conflict. We just proceed from the assumption that a bad peace is preferable to the best war, and stand up for making negotiations a regular procedure,” Vik- torov said. The chairman of the Dniester Parliament, Grigore Mara- cuta, pointed out the cessation of armed confrontation was a positive factor, but expressed regret about the irregularity of the negotiations. In his opinion, both sides should proceed from the Joint Agreement of April 28, adherence to which was confirmed by both Moldovan and Dniester leaderships just on December 21. “The crucial moment of the accord is that it fixed the principle of Dniester’s possible existence within a uni- fied state and of granting a special status to the region,” Maracuta stressed. The president of the breakaway republic, Igor Smirnov, has said that the starting point in solving all related problems should be the question of property, a key one. “Economy must develop. The way economic problems are solved affects the success of political decisions,” he said. The meeting involved also the chairman of the Mold- ovan Parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee Dumitru Diacov, member of the Parliament’s Permanent Bureau Andrei Diaconu, Moldovan Ambassador to Russia Val- eriu Pasat. The sides discussed a wide scope of problems being faced at the Dniester conflict settlement. The Chisinau and Tiraspol officials have agreed with the CIS delegation’s suggestion to hold a joint conference at the Aland Isles (Finland) in mid January with a view to study the experience in solving problems faced now by Chisinau and Tiraspol. Also today, the delegation met with local self- government officials of Tiraspol and the Dubasari area, and with the Commander of the Russian 14th Army, Lieutenant-General Aleksandr Lebed. Viktorov Wants Russian, CSCE Guarantees AU2812204594 Chisinau INFOTAG in English 1930 GMT 27 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Chisinau INFOTAG, 27/ 12/1994—The head of the delegation of the CIS Parlia- mentary Assembly, deputy chairman of the Russia’s WESTERN REGION 41 Council of Federation, Valerian Viktorov, believes Russia and the CSCE Permanent Mission to Moldova could become guarantors for solving the Dniester con- flict. Speaking in the Dniester Parliament today, he pointed out that the settlement requires a realistic approach. “We have got convinced that many officials in Chisinau have revised their former attitude to the issue. The era of romanticism is giving way to an era of realism, and that should be fully understood in Tiraspol,” Viktorov said. In his words, the CIS Parliamentary Assembly stands up for solving all problems in the framework of a single economic area. “All of us are a single people, and it is not our fault that we have been locked in separate national homes. We are doomed to live together, and must do everything pos- sible to live as good neighbors and to restore the former economic ties,” Viktorov stressed. Sees Dniester Area Situation ‘Favorable’ LD2812205194 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 2025 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Valeriy Demidetskiy] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Kishinev [Chisinau] 28 December TASS—“‘The more active the Moscow- Kishinev dialogue will be and the more Moldavia [Moldova] will be involved in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the easier will be the Transd- niester [Dniester] problem settlement”, Deputy Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council Valerian Viktorov told TASS on Wednesday upon completion of the four-day official visit to Moldavia. Viktorov headed a delegation of the CIS Interparliamen- tary Assembly to the republic which mission was to get better understanding of ways to soothe the situation in the Transdniester region. Invited by Moldavian Speaker Petru Lucinschi, the delegation also met President Mircea Snegur and other government and public figures from the republic and the region, including Aleksandr Lebed in command of Russia’s 14th Army. It was decided that Moldavian and Transdniester law- makers will participate in a seminar to be held in Finlandia in January 1995. The seminar will be held under the auspices of the Interparliamentary Assembly. Viktorov assessed current situation around the Transd- niester region as favourable. A law on Gagauz Autonomy, passed recently by the Moldavian parlia- ment, as well as closer integration in the CIS, attempted by the republic’s leadership, has put off many barriers of distrust between Kishinyov [Chisinau] and Tiraspol, Viktorov said. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 42 CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan Nazarbayev Stresses Preserving Interethnic Accord LD2812203694 Almaty Kazakh Radio Network in Russian 1500 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] President Nursultan Nazarbayev today met heads of regional and district administrations who had taken part in the previous day’s republican conference of workers in the agricultural complex. Urgent issues which need to be resolved by making common efforts were discussed at the meeting. Also today, Nursultan Nazarbayev received heads of regional administrations, members of the Cabinet of Ministers, and heads of the republic’s law-enforcement agencies at his new residence. (Birlana Maytimova), minister for young people, tourism, and sport, was sworn in as a member of the government before the head of state and the people. In a speech to the people present, the president said that this year was very difficult for our young and indepen- dent state. Yet in spite of the many difficulties we managed to turn the crisis around by the end of the year. A trend toward a reduction in the rate of decline in production and toward the curbing of inflation has already been seen, the president said. But the most important thing is that interethnic accord and the public peace should be preserved in our common house called Kazakhstan, he said. If this happens the republic will go forwards. The head of state wished participants in the meeting a successful new year, and asked them to convey his sincere congratulations to all the people of Kazakhstan. President Discusses Reforms, Chechnya With Yeltsin LD2812150994 Moscow ITAR-TASS in English 1440 GMT 28 Dec 94 [By ITAR-TASS correspondent Vladimir Akimov] [FBIS Transcribed Text] Alma-Ata [Almaty] December 28 TASS—Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has spoken on telephone with the Russian President Boris Yeltsin today, ITAR-TASS learned from well-informed sources. The presidents thoroughly discussed the progress of socio-economic and political reforms in both countries in a traditional atmosphere of confidence and mutual understanding. Special attention was paid to the situation in Chechnya. Yeltsin informed the Kazakh president about develop- ments in Chechnya and measures taken by the federal government for the settlement of the crisis, such as blocking illegal transfer of weapons, drug trafficking and some others. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 During the conversation, the Kazakh president expressed concern about the situation in Chechnya, and with reference to an opinion expressed by the public and numerous Chechen diaspora in the republic, Nazarbayev expressed his wish that ways to put an end to the bloodshed on the territory of the Russian Federation should be found. For his part, Yeltsin said that he was doing his best to settle the crisis and hold constructive talks. Problems of further deepening and expanding bilateral relations were discussed as well. An agreement was reached to hold a Russo-Kazaxh summit early next year, during which earlier coordinated and initialed docu- ments are expected to be signed. These documents include an agreement on facilitating the order of granting citizenship for residents of both countries, on a legal status of citizens, the order of military service, military and technical cooperation and some others. Muslim Board Appeals for End to Chechnya Bloodshed LD2812192694 Almaty YEGEMEN KAZAKHSTAN in Kazakh 22 Dec 94 p 1 [“‘Appeal of the Religious Board of Kazakhstan Muslims in Connection With Situation in Chechnya”’] [FBIS Translated Text] The bloody conflicts which began arising on Soviet territory before the USSR disin- tegrated are still going on. However, the killing of peaceful people, resulting frtom disagreement between the two sides, that is taking place in Chechnya is seri- ously concerning the Kazakhs along with the entire world community. During the war years, suffering from Stalin’s repressions and turned out of their homeland, thousands of Chechens as well as people of many other ethnic groups settled in Kazakhstan. At present they are living in harmony with other ethnic groups of the republic. Kaza- khstan Muslims, who view with understanding the time of trials which the Chechen people are undergoing, are calling for the speediest cessation of the bloodshed between the two sides and for settling the issue by peaceful means through agreement. The Religious Board of Kazakhstan Muslims is aware that all of us, irrespective of religion, language, and ethnic origin are people with obviously a single root, being sons and daughters of Eve. We think that achieving an agreement is the urgent demand of the time and the obvious way to help the two neighboring countries involved in major conflict to get out of the crisis. Kyrgyzstan Officials Running For Supreme Council Dismissed LD2812171794 Bishkek Kyrgyz Radio First Program Network in Russian 1200 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Excerpt] An edict issued by President Askar Akayev of the Kyrgyz Republic has halted the This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 powers and ended the official activity of the following, in view of their registration as candidates for election to the republic’s Supreme Council: First Deputy Prime Min- ister Matubraimov; Erkebayev, head of the Osh Regional administration; Cholponbayev, Minister of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic; Zulpuyev; Minister of Water Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic; and Kaparov, chairman of the State Committee for Tourism and Sport of the Kyrgyz Republic. [passage omitted] President Names New Leader for Osh Region LD2812190294 Bishkek Kyrgyz Radio First Program Network in Russian 1400 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Excerpt] On 27 December President asnar Akayev of the Kyrgyz Republic arrived in Osh on a short working visit. [passage omitted] The president returned to Osh during the afternoon and had a meeting with all the heads of towns, districts, enterprises, organizations, and departments in the Osh and Dzhalalabad regions. But the main event of the day was an extraordinary session of the Osh Region council. There was a single item on the agenda, but it was one that was very important to the region, which was left without a head. Who was to replace Abdygany Erkebayev in this post? Addressing the deputies, the president stressed the need to deploy personnel in every tier of power in the republic in order to put an end to the north-south personnel problem, a problem that has largely been artificially created. He proposed Rustembekov as a candidate for leadership of the regional state administration. The president’s sudden move was understood. The deputies who took part in the debates agreed with his opinion. The unani- mous yes decision by the session thus represented a definition and summation of the main aim of his visit. This evening the president returned to Bishkek. ‘Legacy of Tribalism’ in Political System LD2812184294 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1741 GMT 28 Dec 94 [From the “Presidential Bulletin” feature: compiled by Nikolay Zherebtsov, Andrey Petrovskiy, edited by Vladimir Shishlin] [FBIS Transcribed Text] The Central Election Commis- sion has completed the registering of candidates for the bicameral parliament which will be elected on February 5, 1995 together with local councils and mayors of Bishkek and southern regional center Osh. Tolabek Omuraliyev, head of the department in charge of contacts with legislative bodies in the presidential headquarters, believes that the electoral system enacted CENTRAL ASIA 43 by the previous parliament does not guarantee that the new one will be democratic. In an Interfax interview Wednesday [28 December] he recalled that the election legislation did not provide for party tickets. He said that political parties therefore do not have a chance to present their case to the people. As a result, the candidates in rural areas, populated chiefly by ethnic Kyrgyzians, are nominated by clans, he explained. Omuraliyev feared that this practice could dash the hopes for a truly democratic parliament. In his view, only voting on party tickets could put an end to the legacy of tribalism in the Kyrgyz political system. Tajikistan Premier Signs Trade Agreements in Uzbekistan LD2812193894 Dushanbe Radio Tajikistan Network in Tajik 1800 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] On the instructions of President Emomali Rakhmanov, Prime Minister Dzhamshed Karimov paid a working visit to the Republic of Uzbeki- stan on 26 December 1994. Dzhamshed Karimov had a number of meetings with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdul- hashim Mutalov and his first deputy, Ismail Jurabekov. During these meetings matters relating to relations between the two fraternal neighboring states were dis- cussed in detail, and the comprehensive development and consolidation of mutually beneficial economic rela- tions were defined. The talks were held in an atmosphere of sincere and mutual understanding which forms rela- tions between the two fraternal and neighboring coun- tries. At the end of the visit agreements on trade and economic cooperation for 1995 between the governments of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan were signed. It was agreed that a Tajik government delegation will be sent to Tashkent to follow up on the agreements reached during Prime Minister Dzhamshed Karimov’s visit. Opposition Involvement in Chechnya Denied AU2812124194 Kiev HOLOS UKRAYINY in Ukrainian 27 Dec 94 p 5 [Report by Yuriy Kushko from Dushanbe: “The Jihad, Started in Tajikistan, Continues in Chechnya”] [FBIS Translated Text] As reported by information agencies, Afghan mojahedins fight on the side of the Chechen home guard. Something similar already hap- pened in Tajikistan during the 1992 civil war. I recall that when the opposition still held the Pyandzh Rayon in the south of the republic, I happened to come across Afghan mojahedins at a local market place. After the end of the combat actions, traces of restless neighbors appeared now in one and now in another place in Tajikistan, where local conflicts flared up. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. Aa CENTRAL ASIA The latest news of them dates back to summer and fall 1994 in the mountainous Tavildarya Rayon. What had brought them there? I believe that, as in Chechnya, it was the idea of a Jihad—a holy war against the unfaithful. In the Caucasus, their appearance has the same motivation, or perhaps the desire to take revenge for the failure in Tajikistan. Chechen President Dzhokhar Dudayev’s call for a holy war may be looked upon as his desire to play the Muslim card and show Moscow as a force which not only opposes a separate unruly region, but also the entire Muslim world. It cannot, therefore, be ruled out that Afghan mojahedins might respond to the call from Groznyy. There were also reports of their Tajik brothers joining in—supporters of Tajikistan’s armed Islamic opposition, whose military bases are presently situated in Afghani- stan. However, an official at one of the departments of Tajiki- stan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that he had no data on the involvement of the Tajik opposition in combat actions in Chechnya. I got through by telephone to Zafar Rakhmonov, a representative of the Tajik Islamic Rebirth Movement, who is presently in Dus- hanbe as a cochairman of a joint commission created under the auspices of the United Nations to observe the fulfillment of the inter-Tajik agreement on temporary cease-fire. He refuted assertions about the involvement of his associates in battles on the territory of Chechnya. Rakhmonov also stated this: “It is misinformation, because we have enough conflicts of our own to be willing to interfere in somebody else’ conflicts.” Nothing else could be learned about the participation of Tajik and Afghan Islamists in the Chechen war. Additional Ministerial Appointments Reported LD2912112094 Dushanbe Radio Tajikistan in Tajik 0800 GMT 29 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] By decree of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan, according to Article 69 of the Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, the following appointments are made: Tukhtaboy Gafarov: minister of economy and foreign economic relations of the Republic of Tajikistan; Talbak Nazarov: minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan; Izatullo Khayeyev: head of the presidential apparatus of the Republic of Tajikistan; Shukurjon Zuhurov: minister of labor and employment of the Republic of Tajikistan; Khayriddin Muhiddinov: minister of transport and roads of the Republic of Tajikistan; Rashid Qutbidinovich Olimov: plenipotentiary repre- sentative of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations Organization. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 This decree is to be submitted for approval by the Supreme Assembly. By decree of President Emomali Rakhmanov of the Republic of Tajikistan, Talbak Nazarov is relieved from the post of head of the presidential apparatus because of his move to other work. This decree is to be submitted for approval by the Supreme Assembly. Biography of Tajik President’s Political Adviser LD2812132094 Khudzhand LENINABADSKAYA PRAVDA in Russian 21 Dec 94 p 2 [Decree by the president of the Republic of Tajikistan appointing Karim Yoldashev state adviser of the presi- dent of the Republic of Tajikistan on international and political affairs} [FBIS Translated Text] In accordance with Article 69 of the constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan, I decree: Karim Yoldashev is to be appointed state adviser of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan on international and political affairs. [signed] President Imomali Rahmonov of the Republic of Tajikistan. Dushanbe, 9 December 1994. Yuldashev Karim was born in 1940 in Angren in the Tashkent Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He began his working life as a construction worker in 1958, and then worked as a senior Pioneer leader at a school. In 1965, after graduating from the department of Ori- ental languages at Tashkent State University, he worked abroad as an interpreter. He then joined the diplomatic service. From 1975 to 1986 he held various responsible posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. From 1984 to 1991 he was engaged in party and soviet work. From 1991 to 1994 he was head of the department of international relations in the apparatus of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan, head of the working apparatus of the foreign and eco- nomics relations commission under the Cabinet of Min- isters of the Republic of Tajikistan, and state adviser of the head of state of the Republic of Tajikistan. By decree of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan of 9 December 1994, he was appointed state adviser of the president of Republic of Tajikistan on international and political affairs. Karim Yoldashev holds the rank of ambassador extraor- dinary and plenipotentiary. Karim Yoldashev is married with two children. New Currency To Be Set at Parity With Russian Ruble LD2812171294 Dushanbe Radio Tajikistan Network in Tajik 1000 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Preparations for introducing a national currency have begun in Tajikistan. The appeal This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 by President Emomali Rakhmanov to the people of Tajikistan, published recently, justifies the need for this important step. Murodali Alimardonov, chairman of the National Bank of the republic, told a KHOVAR news agency correspondent that the introduction of our own currency is dictated by acute necessity. This was espe- cially emphasized in the appeal of the president, which says that the disruption of economic relations, the impossibility of making payments either to other states or within the country, and the large deficit in the state budget are all consequences of not having resolved the issue of setting up a national monetary system. We would like the entire population of the country to realize this. A national currency is the symbol of any indepen- dent and sovereign country. A special working group has been set up under the president of the republic; it consists of Prime Minister Dzhamshed Karimov, Tajik Supreme Council de; uy chairman Kozidavlat Koimdodov, Safar Zafarov, chairman of the Supreme Council committee for eco- nomics and the buaget, and other officials. It is already engaged in preparing regulatory documents on intro- ducing the national currency, the Tajik ruble. Amend- ments to the law will naturally be made concerning the activity of the banking system, monetary circulation and financial policy in general. I would remind you that only a session of the Supreme Council of the country is empowered to bring a national currency into circulation. The new money will without fail be backed up by goods which we will obtain from exports, as well as from assistance from international financial organizations. Certainly, everybody is acutely worried about the pay- ment of wages and analogous payments, current arrears for which are estimated at hundreds of billions of rubles. These arrears will be repaid without fail, but this cannot be done all at once. This acute problem can be resolved only gradually, as the national economy is invigorated and the market fills up with goods. We shall do everything to ensure that the Tajik ruble helps protect the population’s savings deposit and becomes an incentive for developing branches of the national economy. Exchange points will be organized everywhere. The initial rate of exchange will be one-to-one with the Russian ruble. The bank’s chairman expressed confi- dence that inflation in our country will not reach such a high level as in Russia. With the introduction of the currency the interbank currency exchange will start working properly, determining the Tajik ruble’s real relationship to the Russian ruble and the American dollar. Once all the issues have been resolved and the national currency introduced fully into circulation, we expect that the free circulation of the Russian ruble will come to an end. CENTRAL ASIA 45 Construction of Pendzhikent-Samarkand Railroad Begins LD2812181994 Dushanbe Radio Tajikistan Network in Tajik 1200 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] The construction of the railroad from Pendzhikent to Samarkand has begun in Pendzhikent. A ceremony was held to mark this occasion today, attended by Sobirov, the chairman of the town of Pendzhikent. Turkmenistan President Appoints New Deputy Premier LD2812132894 Ashgabat TURKMEN PRESS in Russian 1154 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Decree by the president of Turk- menistan appointing B.B. Ovezov deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. Comrade Batyr Balyshevich Ovezov is appointed deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan. [signed] President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurad Turk- menbashy. [dated] Ashgabat, 26 April 1994 [date as received]. Edict Bans Alternatives to Military Service LD2912111294 Ashgabat TURKMEN PRESS in Russian 1151 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text} Edict by the President of Turkmenistan Cancelling Alternative Service on the Territory of Turkmenistan With the aim of improving the procedures for serving in the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, I decree: 1. The conscription of citizens for alternative service is to be abolished from | January 1995. Citizens called up for alternative service prior to this date will serve until the end of the set term. 2. Engineering and technical support units [podrazde- leniye] of an established strength are to be set up within the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan. 3. The Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan is to submit for approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmeni- stan the structure of the engineering and technical sup- port units and a draft regulatory document on these units. In conjunction with the ministries and depart- ments concerned, it is to introduce amendments arising out of this edict to the legislation of Turkmenistan. 4. Paragraphs 1-5 of the Turkmen president’s Edict No. 494 of 14 July 1992 on the introduction of alternative service on the territory of Turkmenistan is to be consid- ered null and void. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 46 CENTRAL ASIA [signed] President of Turkmenistan Saparmurad Turk- menbashy. [dated] Ashgabat, 26 December 1994 Professional Servicemen Can Now Serve Longer LD2812182394 Ashgabat TURKMEN PRESS in Russian 1152 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] With the aim of strengthening the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan and the internal affairs organizations, I decree: 1. Long-service pensions for servicemen under the Min- istry of Defense of Turkmenistan, in the organizations of the Committee for National Security and in the Border Troops, in the Interior Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other military formations, as well as com- manders and other ranks in the internal affairs organi- zations, will be awarded to men when they reach the age of 55 years and for women when they reach 50. 2. The maximum term of military service for servicemen holding a military rank up to and including the rank of lieutenant colonel, or the equivalent, is to be increased to 50 years for men and 45 years for women. 3. The Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan, in conjunc- tion with the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, the Committee for National Security of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan, is to FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 present the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan with proposals on introducing relevant amendments to the current legislative acts. [signed] President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurad Turk- menbashy. [dated] Ashkabad [Ashgabat], 26 December 1994. Edict Issued on Minimum Wages, Pensions LD2812181394 Ashgabat TURKMEN PRESS in Russian 1340 GMT 28 Dec 94 (“Edict by the President of Turkmenistan on Minimum Wages and Pensions” } {[FBIS Translated Text] With a view to raising the population’s living standards, I hereby decree: 1. A minimum wage of 1,000 manats per month and a minimum old- age pension of up to 1,000 manats per month are to be set from | January 1995. 2. An old-age pension of 60 percent of wages is to be set for men who have reached the age of 60 and for women who are 55 and who have worked for 25 and 20 years, respectively. 3. Edict No. 1230 of the president of Turkmenistan of 13 May 1994 on raising wages, pensions and student grants is to be considered null and void. [signed] President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurad Turk- menbashy. [dated] 26 December 1994, Ashgabat. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Armenia Republic Joins CSCE Computer Network NC2912042794 Yerevan ARAGIL ELECTRONIC NEWS BULLETIN in English 0859 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Yerevan (““HAYASTANI HANRAPETUTYUN” daily), 12/28/94—Armenia has become 33rd country to join the CSCE computer net- work, with the central node in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands. U.S. Embassy to Armenia has provided technical aid to facilitate this event. The official opening ceremony was held in RA [Republic of Armenia] Foreign Ministry on December 27. RA Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Zuloyan thanked U.S. Charge d’Affairs The- odore Niest and RA Minister of Communications Grigor Pozapalyan [Poghpatyan] for support in installing equip- ment and hoped that computer network will facilitate further increase of mutual understanding between CSCE member-countries. Central Bank Limits Russian Ruble Circulation NC2812192994 Yerevan SNARK in English 1454 GMT 28 Dec 94 {FBIS Transcribed Text] Yerevan, December 28 (SNARK )—The Central Bank [CB] of Armenia has set up a target to essentially limit the circulation of Russian ruble on the territory of Armenia, the CB Chairman Bagrat Asaturyan announced December 28 at a press conference. Russian currency, being intensively used in the northern parts of Armenia, has adverse effect on financial stabilization measures and undermines dram, he said. According to Mr. Asaturyan, such limitation is necessary, because Russian ruble is neither stable, nor shock-protected. The task was called by the head banker as prior in 1995. While summarizing the year 1994, Bagrat Asaturyan stated that CB forecasts for the end-year situation proved to be right. As expected, he said, the inflation level in December—though there was an | 1-time price growth—did not exceed 50 percent. Freight Not Affected by Russian Border Closure NC2812202394 Yerevan Armenia’s Radio First Program Network in Armenian 1900 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Russia’s decision to close the transportation routes to Azerbaijan and Georgia in con- nection with the developments in Chechnya has not effected the freight transportation to our country. The head of Armenia’s railways, Vladimir Asriyants, told ARMENPRES this. He noted that freighters carrying fuel, wheat, and humanitarian assistance for Armenia are being unloaded at Batumi and Sochi ports. Despite power supply difficulties, four trains with 88 freight-cars have been leaving these ports every day. CAUCASUS 47 New Karabakh ‘President’ Comments on Future Plans NC2812192294 Yerevan NOYAN TAPAN in English 1009 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] 26/12/94 (NOYAN TAPAN)— A journalist of NOYAN TAPAN NEWS AGENCY interviewed the newly elected President of the Moun- tainous Karabakh Republic (MKR) Robert Kocharyan. The following is the text of the interview. ‘Journalist] On behalf of our Agency we want to congrat- ulate you with a new post of President of MKR and wish you success and fruitful work. As a matter of fact, you have been performing the functions of the leader of the Republic for several years and now you have been elected President of MKR. What shifts in your functions and obligations do you expect? What will be your first presidential decree? {Kocharyan] The first decree I am going to issue as President will be on appointment of the Chairman of the Government, who is responsible for setting up a Cabinet of Ministers. Certainly, there will be changes in my functions and obligations. My attention will be mainly focused on activities of law enforcement agencies and foreign policy, the economic issues wili fall under the authority of Prime-Minister. [Journalist] What was the reason of such unexpected election of MKR’s President in the end of 1994? [Kocharyan] Why do you consider this move unex- pected? I do not tend to label this election unexpected, since shifts in Karabakh administration and ruling bodies were planned already. The Karabakh Supreme Council had to make its choice and parliamentarians opted for a presidential form of governing. [Journalist] It is quite natural to expect that the next step in building of a new state after the election of President will be the adoption of the Karabakh Constitution. When Karabakh will have its own Constitution? [Kocharyan] The adoption of the Constitution is very important step and it requires carefulness and great work. Judging by the complement and form of organiza- tion of the current Karabakh Supreme Council, I can say that it is unable to elaborate and work over the Consti- tution. Today’s Karabakh Parliament is made up of people, who take high posts, as for example military commanders. But they can not work over the Constitu- tion, since they have to perform their direct obligations. In connection with this the Karabakh Supreme Council took a decision to run new parliamentary elections by April 30, 1995. The adoption of the Karabakh Constitu- tion will depend on what parliament we will have by then. In my opinion, if the newly elected Parliament will work good then MKR can have its own Constitution by the end of 1995. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 48 CAUCASUS [Journalist] This is the first interview after you have been elected President. What can you say to the world as MKR’s President? [Kocharyan] Nothing, so far. New Nagorno-Karabakh ‘Premier’ Profiled NC2912042694 Yerevan ARAGIL ELECTRONIC NEWS BULLETIN in English 0859 GMT 28 Dec 94 {FBIS Transcribed Text] Stepanakert (“AZG” daily), 12/28/94—RMK [Republic of Mountainous Karabakh] President Robert Kocharyan issued his first order on December 27, assigning Leonard Petrosyan as the Prime Minister of the Republic. According to preliminary information, Kocharyan will assign Chairman of the RMkK State Bank today. Probably, it will be Chairman of the RMK Supreme Council Finance-Credit Department Karen Nersisyan. Leonard Petrosyan was born in the Martuni town of RMK on October 13, 1953. He graduated from the Yerevan Institute of Economy in 1979 with the specialty of an economist. Mr. Petrosyan worked in the positions of Deputy Chairman and then Chairman of the RMK Agrarian Production Committee since 1988, was Acting Chairman of the Mountainous Karabakh District Council from 1991 to 1992. Until recently, he has been Chairman of the Department on Special Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. Leonard Petrosyan is a deputy of the RMK Supreme Council. He is married, a father of 4 children. Karabakh ‘Minister’ Willing To Negotiate NC2812170994 Yerevan SNARK in English 1044 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Stepanakert, December 27 (SNARK)—NKR [Nagorno-Karabakh Republic] leader- ship still follows as before stance on Karabakh conflict peaceful settlement, stated today Minister of Foreign Affairs of NKR Arkadi Ghukasyan. This statement is made in connection with the last official declaration of his Azerbaijani counterpart Gasan Gasanov, saying that recent election of a president in un-recognized Nagorno-Karabakh aims detriment of Budapest summit of CSCE decisions. If official Baku, said Ghukasyan, notices in the institute of a president torpedoing peculiarities, able to effect negatively a process of negotiations, it is a matter of Azerbaijani authorities only. “What goes for leadership of NKR, we are ready even today to sit at the table of negotiations with Azerbaijan, no matter who will repre- sent this country—sultan, governor, secretary general or the very Gasan Gasanov,” stated a head of Karabakh foreign policy department. More important is a content and not a shape, which very often is false. Ter-Petrosyan Suspends Opposition Party NC2912081094 Paris AFP in English 0435 GMT 29 Dec 94 [Spelling of all names as received] FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 {[FBIS Transcribed Text] Yerevan, Dec 29 (AFP)}— Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan has sus- pended one of the country’s main opposition parties after accusing it of involvement in political assassina- tions and drug trafficking. Ter-Petrosyan said in a televised speech Wednesday [29 December] that the Dashnaktsutiun party was being “temporarily” suspended for harbouring a group speci- alised in “drug trafficking, forging banknotes, contract killings, racketeering and intelligence gathering”. He accused the organisation of responsibility for the murders of former Yerevan mayor Ambartsum Gual- styan on December 17 and of Armenia’s former KGB chief Marius Azbachyan in 1993. The president said the group was engaged in preparing the assassination of the Interior Minister Vano Sirade- gyan and member of parliament Albert Bagdassaryan. The Dashnaktsutiun or Armenian Revolutionary Feder- ation is the country’s oldest political party founded in 1890 in Georgia. It wielded power from 1918 to 1920 after which its leaders emigrated during the Soviet era. The party was revived in 1990 and with the Democratic National Union forms the opposition to the regime of Ter-Petrosyan. The decision to suspend the Dashnaktsutiun comes as Ter-Petrosyan is facing growing criticism of his policies in the run-up to general elections in May. At least 10 of the 243 members of parliament resigned last week to protest what they said was the government’s failure to do enough to track down the killers of Ambartsum Gualstyan. Authorities Said Trying To Discredit ARF NC2812180594 Yerevan NOYAN TAPAN in English 1723 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] 27/12/94 (NOYAN TAPAN)— ““We give 100 per cent guarantee that Mikael Manukyan, who is suspected of murder of Hambartsum Galustyan is absolutely innocent. That was why we expressed our readiness to hand him over to the Armenian State National Security Department”, the political secretary of ARF [Armenian Revolutionary Federation]- Dashnakstutyun Party Gagik Mkrtichyan said. He con- siders that according to criminal procedures, a confron- tation between the witness and suspect must be held and only after it a picture of the criminal can be shown. Otherwise, witness, seeing the photography before a confrontation can remember his appearance and then confirm the complicity of the suspect in a crime. “Inves- tigational organs have opted for a wrong variant”, Mkrtichyan noted. He claims that presence of deputies and journalists during the act of surrender by Manukyan was caused by the absence of security guarantees. “Polit- ical motives can be seen through the whole case,” Gagik This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Mkrtichyan pointed out. He reminded the circum- stances, under which another member of Dashnaktsu- tyun Hrand Markaryan was arrested. Up to the present moment no charges have been brought against Markaryan, moreover, an attempt to frame up a drug trafficking case against the latter are continuing. According to ARF-Dashnaktsutyun’s political secretary, these actions are the notorious attempt to accuse the Party of committing murder and acts of violence. “There is a single goal—to discredit the Party on the eve of elections”, Mkrtichyan concluded. Resigned Deputies Aim To ‘Restore’ Parliament NC2812191094 Yerevan NOYAN TAPAN in English 1009 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] 26/12/94 (NOYAN TAPAN)— At a December 23 news conference a joint press release by 4 deputy groups, which announced about the suspen- sion of their parliamentary activities, was made public. The document in particular reads that the forthcoming parliamentary elections and the future of the Armenian people are at stake. The current Parliament just hinders the democracy, and that is why deputies, which are responsible before their voters, can not reconcile them- selves with the current situation. It is also noted in the document that executive bodies, wishing to turn the Supreme Council into a staunch executor of their will and being unable to attain that, had decided to push it (Parliament) into the corner and bring it about a “natu- ral death”. By this the main ambitior of the current leadership—to rule by means of presi¢ ‘ntial and govern- mental decrees and orders—could be _ustified. The doc- ument also underscored that the dev uties of the above- mentioned 4 parliamentary groups and factions, having suspended their work at the Parliament, did not intend to relinquish their credentials as deputies. According to Paruyr Hayrikyan (Parliamentary Faction “Independent Parliamentarians”), the cooperation of deputies, which is to be designated “Deputy Asse:nbly” will approve the regulations to be followed by all fac- tions, which will later on join them. “Deputy Assembly” will hold open-door sessions and sittings of its Pre- sidium. “We do not seek establishing a new Parliament, but try to restore the legislative organ, which is to replace the erstwhile Parliament”, Hayrikyan said. According to him, factions, making up the Deputy Assembly, wield support of 60 percent of the politically active part of the Armenian population. He also added that in case of failure to resolve this poignant problem by constitutional way, they would have to resolve it, as Hayrikyan desig- nated it, “by clearly political way”. ““We do not have any other option, another option is death,” he said. Addressing to journalists, Seiran Baghdasaryan (ARF- Dashnaktsutyun) stated that the support by journalist was extremely important and was the only way to unite the opposition and the people. In his opinion, if in January-February the current authorities fail to set up a CAUCASUS 49 deputy group, consisting of executive bodies and AANM (Armenian All-National Movement), they will start ruling by adopting decrees and orders. He underlined that the opposition should create a political force, which would be able to give right interpretation of even antin- ational presidential decrees to the people. Otherwise President will gather 129 people and pass all those bills, which meet his interests. Albert Baghdasaryan (‘National Progress” parliamen- tary faction) said that he and his colleagues demanded the resignation of the Armenian Supreme Council's Chairman and Presidium. The resignation will be irre- versible if 10 members of Supreme Council’s Presidium suspend their activities within this parliamentary organ. Thus, the last question to be solved is President’s resig- nation. In Baghdasaryan’s opinion the current ruling clique less democratic than their predecessors, since in those times people was less afraid of power structures than nowadays. NT’s [NOYAN TAPAN] note: The total number of deputies, who suspend their activities within the Arme- nian Supreme Council exceeds 40. Moreover, the mem- bers of 1 faction—deputies of the National Democratic Union parliamentary faction relinquished their creden- tials as deputies. Dissident ‘Deputy Assembly’ Issues Statement NC2812184294 Yerevan NOYAN TAPAN in English 1524 GMT 27 Dec 94 (“First Session of Deputy Assembly Took Place”’— NOYAN TAPAN headline} [FBIS Transcribed Text] 27/12/94 (NOYAN TAPAN)— The full-fledged members of the Parliamentary Assembly (PA) are considered to be those Armenian Supreme Council’s deputies, who by putting signatures confirmed their consent with the following statement: “The policy pursued by the current administration broke the principles of legal state and democracy in Armenia. “With the efforts of some Supreme Council’s deputies influenced by the Armenian President and the Chairman of the Supreme Council, the Armenian Supreme Council, having lost its legislative and control functions, on the one hand became an appendage of the executive authorities and on the other hand it turned into a camouflage, which covers the facts of mass violation of democracy and human rights. “Following the necessity ““—-to restore the efficiency and the independence of the legislative and control organ; “to stop the deepening impunity and irresponsibility ““—-to establish the appropriate moral and psychological legal atmosphere with the aim to run the lawful elections in the Republic; This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 50 CAUCASUS “We announce that we cease our participation in the work of the Supreme Council and unite in the deputy organization under the name Deputy Assembly (DA)”. Also some organizational questions and the regulations of the work of DA were discussed at the session. Of more than 50 deputies expected to come at the end of the session only 29 have joined DA, including the Parliamentary groups “National Progress”, “National Democrats”, “Independent Parliamentarians”, the rep- resentatives of the faction Armenian Revolutionary Fed- eration “Dashnaktsutyun” and some separate deputies. The Chairman of the public and political organization ‘National State” (NS), the member of the Presidium of the Armenian Supreme Council Samvel Shaghinyan appeared with the statement. He pointed out that 3 deputies, representing his Party in the Parliament, were ready to participate in the work of the Parliament, all Parliamentary groups, factions and unions, however they would not take part in the voting till the union “Deputy Assembly” becomes a part of the Parliament. They reserved the right of taking any steps for the protection of the statehood and national interests if there is no other option. Proceeding from the situation, the Party “National State” called on the parliamentary groups and deputies of the Armenian Supreme Council to reconsider their position and not to leave the Parliament on the threshold of the adoption of important bills and the Constitution as well as to consolidate their forces. Azerbaijan Turkish Parliament Speaker Comments on Chechnya, Caucasus NC2812201394 Baku TURAN in English 1708 GMT 27 Dec 94 {Unattributed report under headline: “I Do Not See Any Difference Between Introduction of Soviet Troops to Afghanistan and Introduction of Russian Troops to Chechnya’, Speaker of Turkish Parliament, Husamettin Cindoruk, Says”} [FBIS Transcribed Text] Baku, December 27 (TURAN)- —‘Turkey will not approve any resolution on the Cau- casus without Azerbaijan’s concord”, the speaker of Turkish Parliament, Husamettin Cindoruk, said today during the meeting with his Azeri colleague. Having arrived in Baku with official visit, Cindoruk says: “Our basic wish is liberation of occupied Azeri territories and restoration of integrity of Azeri borders as soon as possible’. During the meeting the Chairman of Azeri Parliament mentioned that “friendly and brotherly relations FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 between our countries are inviolable and everlasting and Azerbaijan is interested in development of many-sided relations with Turkey”. The major part of the meting between the heads of Parliaments held behind the closed doors. Rasul Guliyev and Husamettin Cindoruk discussed a wide range of issues concerning settlement of the Arme- nian-Azerbaijani conflict, development of oil-fields on the Caspian offshore and Turkey’s share in it, problem with food products delivery from Turkey to Azerbaijan and several others. Earlier in Baku’s airport Cindoruk told journalists that Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict settlement will be the key subject on the meeting. “We insist on unconditional liberation of all occupied territories of Azerbaijan and refugees home-coming’’, Cindoruk says. He mentioned that Turkey is ready to assist Azerbaijan in the face of economic blockade imposed by Russia. Asking about his regard for developments in Chechnya, Cindoruk said: “Chechnya can be internal affair of Russia but due to mass violation of human rights, this problem exceeds the limits of one country and becomes a world one. I think that between the Red Army of the former USSR and the forces of Russian Federation must be difference. But we see no difference between the Red Army, which had entered in Afghanistan, and Russian troops entering in Chechnya”. Agreements, Joint Communique Signed NC2812220294 Baku TURAN in English 1604 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBiS Transcribed Text] Baku, December 28 (TURAN)- —Today Head of Turkish Parliament Husamettin Cin- doruk and Head of Supreme Council of Azerbaijan Rasul (Suliyev signed an agreement on inter- parliaznentary co-operation between both countries and a jgint communique on the results of visit. Then a joint press-conference on the results of official visit in Baku Husamettin Cindoruk took place. “Turkey stands for the peaceful settlement of all con- flicts, including the Chechen one. Turkey is concerned with the death and sufferings of old people, children and women, who die in result of use of hard weapon and military air forces,” said Cindoruk. According to him many Russian politicians share this point of view. He said that events in Chechnya could not be a problem of only one country. “If there is necessity the conflict can be settled within the framework of international organisa- tions,” said he. Concerning the oil co-operation Cindoruk said that Turkey was ready to increase her participation in the implementation the oil contract of Azerbaijan with the West, both with the investments and latest equipment and technology. Touching on the settlement of Arme- nian-Azeri conflict and the decision of the CSCE’s Tkis report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 summit in Budapest on the peacekeeping forces Cin- doruk said that Turkey was going to give as much peacekeeping forces as would be needed. “‘We are ready to provide not only 30 percent participation but even 100 percent. The last word is of Azerbaijan and the CSCE,” said he. Cindoruk said that Turkey will not leave Azerbaijan alone with her problems. According to him, due to the blockade of north railway Ankara will do her best to soften for Azerbaijan the consequences of Moscow’s decision. Rasul Guliyev said that closing of the railway by one of the CIS countries was not normal in relation to the other country of the Commonwealth. According to him, yes- terday that blockade was partially lifted. “If this decision is not eliminated officially, the stay of Azerbaijan in the CIS will be under the question,” said Guliyev. According to Guliyev Azerbaijan considers the Chechen conflict as the internal problem of Russia and recognise the Chechnya as part of Russia’s territory. “If Azerbaijan is not able to finance its share in the oil contract, we are ready to give it to Turkey,” said Guliyev. Today in the evening Cindoruk [remainder of item not received] Cindoruk News Conference, Departure NC2912105294 Baku Radio Baku Network in Azeri 1700 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Husamettin Cindoruk held a press conference on his visit to Baku. His press conference was held after he addressed the Azerbaijan National Assembly. The representatives of the republic’s mass media organs and foreign journalists put questions to him in connection with the impovement of the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan, Turkey’s approach to the situation in Chechenya, and Turkey’s contribution to the elections that will be held in Azerbaijan in 1995. Husamettin Cindoruk said that the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan will be improved and [words indistinct]. Regarding the situation in Azerbaijan, he said that Turkey may use Georgia’s territory and the airline companies to help Baku overcome the crisis resulting from Russia’s decision to suspend transporta- tion services to Azerbaijan. He also said that several deputies will take part in the elections in Azerbaijan as observers. Husamettin Cindoruk and Chairman of the Azerbaijan National Assembly Rasul Guliyev replied to questions on efforts to resolve the Karabakh dispute. Husamettin Cindoruk and his delegation left for Turkey today. Chechnya Events Throw Doubt on Russian Role in Caucasus NC2812221294 Bak: TURAN in English 1604 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Baku, December 28 (TURAN)- —*‘I do not intend to see the resolution of the Russian CAUCASUS 51 Government on closure of transport communications with Azerbaijan as a hostile act closure”, State Adviser for Foreign Police, Vafa Guluzade, told TURAN’s cor- respondent. However, suspension of transport commu- nication is advantageous neither for Azerbaijan nor for Russia, Guluzade mentions. As far Azerbaijan is concerned, “‘it is clear that in this situation Azerbaijan will seek for the way out of exclu- sive circle and will restore its connections with outer world through other directions”, he said. “Such development of events hardly meets Russia's interests, that is why Moscow’s resolution is incompre- hensible”’. Speaking about events in Chechnya, Vafa Guluzade said that he condemns events in Chechnya and stands against the bloodshed and deaths of innocent people. “Events in Chechnya are harmful for Russia since they exert influence on international rating of the Russian state, on its image of peace-keeper of regional and ethnic conflicts settlement”, State Adviser mentioned. He said that forcible development of events in Chechnya may cast doubt on Russia’s mediation in the Armenian- Azerbaijani conflict settlement. “If Russia can settle the conflicts peacefully, it can do it in Chechnya as well”, Guluzade added. Military pressure on Chechnya can become the deto- nator for interethnic relations in other Russian regions. “Russia is a multinational state and continuation of war in Chechnya can cause movement in Muslim regions of this country”, State Adviser added. Gasanov Gives Conditions for Conflict Settlement NC2812205994 Baku TURAN in English 1708 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Baku, December 27 (TURAN)—A short time ago special envoy of Russian President for Nagorno-Karabakh talks, Vladimir Kazimirov, told TURAN that for implementation of the resolution of Budapest summit on the CSCE peace- keeping operation in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict zone, the parties must address to the UN SC [Security Council]. Due to this fact, we asked Azeri Foreign Minister to explain the situation. He answered: “At first, political agreement on cessation of hostilities must be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The agreement provides for liberation of all Azeri territories, including Shusha and Lachin, and refugees home-coming. After agreement is signed, Armenia and Azerbaijan must address the UN and CSCE that they had settled all their issues and found common position for conflict settlement and ask for dispatching of peace-keeping forces to the region. “As was earlier reported, implementation of peace- keeping operation will be conducted within the frame- work of the CSCE, as agreed upon during Budapest summit’’, Minister says. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 52 CAUCASUS Election of Karabakh President Said ‘Provocation’ LD2812183594 Moscow INTERFAX in English 1741 GMT 28 Dec 94 [From the “Presidential Bulletin” feature: compiled by Nikolay Zherebtsov, Andrey Petrovskiy, edited by Viadimir Shishlin] [FBIS Transcribed Text] The government committee for ethnic relations in Baku has said that the election of the first president of the self-styled republic of Nagorno- Karabakh on Tuesday [27 December] was provocative and designed to derail efforts at a peaceful solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In a statement on Tuesday, the committee said “the provocation follews hot on the heels of the CSCE Budapest summit which approved key resolutions on ending the conflict”. It describes the Karabakh election as “yet another challenge to the CSCE” and as “the impunity with which Armenian aggressors appear to getting away each time”’. In the meantime, the enclave continues to form its own government. On Tuesday, President Robert Kocharyan appointed 41-year-old Leonard Petrosyan as his prime minister. Petrosyan was in acting chairman of the exec- utive committee of the Karabakh council of people’s deputies from June 1991 until January 1992. Until recently, he lead an Armenian government department for special programs which many say confirms a theory that Yerevan was largely behind the introduction of Karabakh presidency. Georgia Deputy Premier: ‘Capitalize’ on Chechen Crisis LD2812155794 Tbilisi IBERIA in Georgian 1400 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Tbilisi, 28 Dec—Georgian Deputy Prime Minister Tamaz Nadareishvili held a news conference at the Georgian Cabinet of Ministers at 1400 today. He announced that the Georgian faction of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia had been re-established. The faction will hold its first session on 3 and 4 January 1995. Prior to the session, meetings will be held with deputies of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia and a full list of deputies will be determined. Nadareishvi!i appealed to the deputies of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia living outside Georgia to cooperate with the faction. He said that the Supreme Council would move to Zugdidi [near the Abkhaz border] and continue work there. It would then move on to Gali [in Abkhazia] and, finally, Sukhumi. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Nadareishvili said that it was essential that Georgia should capitalize on the situation in Russia and, in particular, the North Caucasus. The most important aim of resuming the Supreme Council's work is to restore the territorial integrity of Georgia. “As the faction’s leader, I state that attempts to create confrontation between Georgians will not be tolerated,” said Nadareishvili. It is essential that the Georgian Parliament take a decision to re-establish the Supreme Council of Abkha- zia. Because of the fighting in the North Caucasus, the Psou river [on the Russian-Abkhaz border] has been sealed off with military equipment, and even the opera- tion of the Russian customs service has been suspended. According to Nadareishvili, energy supplies to Sukhumi, Ochamchire, and Gudauta have been cut off. The state- ment by Russia’s Federation Council Chairman Vladimir Shumeyko concerning the withdrawal of Rus- sian peacekeeping troops has created panic among the population. The withdrawal will indeed happen, and it should be followed by the introduction of Georgian troops to the territory of Abkhazia, said Nadareishvili. In connection with the current situation, the Abkhaz opposition, both in Moscow and Abkhazia itself, has stepped up its activity. All this forms a favorable back- ground for the Georgians today, said Nadareishvili. Russia-Muslim Global War Feared LD2812183394 Tbilisi SAKINFORM in Russian 1546 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Text] The Christian-Democratic Union of Georgia has circulated a statement saying that the armed confrontation in Chechnya may lead to a global conflict between Russia and the Muslim world. In the opinion of the Christian-Democratic Union, the Caucasian peoples made a fatal mistake when they raised arms against each other, and Russia, which is gradually moving away from the course of integration with the West, has seized this opportunity instantaneously. In connection with this, the statement goes on to say, it is expedient to review Georgia’s membership in the CIS. Shevardnadze Orders Council for State Government Formed LD2812180394 Tbilisi CONTACT INFORMATION AGENCY in Russian 1550 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Tbilisi—In connection with the agreement signed by the Georgian Government and the United Nations within the framework of the UN Devel- opment Program, which envisages carrying out a reform of the government system and working out the program for the development of the society, and in accordance This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 with the decree by the head of the Georgian state, relevant departments have been ordered to set up a special service, the Council for State Government, at the head of state’s Cabinet. Shevardnadze Edict on Speeding Structural Reforms LD2812185394 Tbilisi SAKINFORM in Russian 1546 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Text] [no dateline as received] Geor- gian Head of State Eduard Shevardnadze has issued an edict to speed up the process of structural reforms and microeconomic stabilization. According to the decree, before the beginning of the following year 2,160 small and 585 large enterprises are to be privatized in the republic. In January, 1995, 200 small and about 150 large state installations are to be transformed into joint stock companies. CAUCASUS 53 The Cabinet of Ministers has been ordered to present for the parliament’s discussion before 15 January the draft law on the land reform, which is to define the forms of land property. Government Decrees Increase in Minimum Wages LD2812210394 Tbilisi SAKINFORM in Russian 1546 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] As of 1 January, the minimum monthly wages in Georgia are to increase by 500,000 coupons and will make up 1.5 million coupons, this is stated in the Cabinet of Ministers’ decree on additional measures for the social protection of the population adopted in connection with the price rise on foodstuffs and services, and which is to be carried out within the framework of the available financial resources. Those employees who work in budgetary organizations and receive wages less than 3 million coupons, will receive an additional sum to bring their wages to 3 million coupons. This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 54 BALTIC STATES Estonia Premier Warns of Russian Refugee Influx WS2812102994 Tallinn BNS in English 1551 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] Tallinn, Dec 27, BNS—A “turn to the worse” in Russia could bring about a massive uncontrollable inflow of refugees into Estonia from the east, Prime Minister Andres Tarand said on Tuesday [27 December]. Estimates show there are many people in Russia who are ready to use every possible opportunity to escape to a country with a higher living standard, he said at a press conference after Tuesday's meeting of the government. The prime minister said Estonia’s position from the point of view of the international law was weak, as the country had not signed a treaty on refugees with Russia. The Russian president has issued an order to his coun- try’s respective departments to sign refugee agreements with the Baltics, but this still takes time, Tarand said. The Estonian Justice Ministry is currently choosing the location where the country would build an internment camp for illegal immigrants. The government early this month set up a work group to deal with the problems of people illegally arriving in Estonia. The work group is to present its proposals to the government by Jan. 15. Klaar: Not Ready for Simplified Russian Border Regime LD2712180694 Tallinn Radio Tallinn Network in Estonian 1300 GMT 27 Dec 94 [FBIS Transiated Excerpt] Toivo Klaar, the head of the Political Department of the Foreign Ministry, has con- tested the statement by Sergey Krylov, a Russian deputy foreign minister, according to which Estonia wishes to extend the duration of the simplified border crossing procedure. Krylov said that, at his meeting in Moscow last week with Toivo Klaar, the head of the Political Department of the Estonian Foreign Ministry, and Mart Helme, the head of the Third Bureau, Estonia had promised to extend the duration of the simplified border crossing procedure that was set up for the Christmas and New Year holidays. At least it seemed that the Estonian side was prepared for it, Krylov added. He said that such a step could have really simplified contacts between the residents of the border areas of the two states. Toivo Klaar said that they had made no such promises. The Estonian representatives had emphasized that the temporary Estonian-Russian border crossing regime had to be based on a visa regime. Krylov said that the Russian-Estonian border issue should be resolved proceeding from the existing realities FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 and not from the 1920 Tartu peace treaty. Krylov also said that certain shifts in the Estonian-Russian border dispute had taken place. [passage omitted] Russia Urged To End Violence in Chechnya W$2912102994 Tallinn Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release in English 0737 GMT 29 Dec 94 [Statement released by the Estonian Foreign Ministry in Tallinn on 28 December—received via Internet E-LIST] [FBIS Transcribed Text] The Estonian Foreign Ministry once again calls upon Russia to stop the use of violence in Chechnya and calls attention to the impermissibility of the use of military force against civilian populations regardless of the excuses used to justify this. Regardless of Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s promise of 27 December 1994 to stop the bombing attacks on Groznyy, the bombing continued throughout all of 28 December. The Estonian Foreign Ministry stresses that the obser- vance of human rights is not the internal affair of any country, but instead, according to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) !991 Moscow Document, it is the object of justified attention by the international community. In connection with the violence in Chechnya, Russia is also violating the CSCE 1992 Vienna Document regarding grouping, movement and use of military forces. The Estonian Foreign Ministry calls upon the Russian Federation to uphold CSCE principles and to take steps immediately to regulate the conflict by political means. Kaunas City Recognizes Chechen Independence MM2812143194 Moscow IZVESTIYA in Russian 28 Dec 94 p 3 [Report by Nikolay Lashkevich under the “From Our Correspondents and News Agencies” rubric: “Having Put City Business Aside, Kaunas City Council Recog- nized Chechnya’s Independence”’] [FBIS Translated Text] Vilnius—Deputies of the city council of the Lithuanian city of Kaunas decided at their session to recognize the independence of Chechnya, which fact they reported to the Seimas, government, and president of Lithuania. In addition, the city legislators, who, to all appearances, are most concerned about the situation in distant Chech- nya, rather than with the state of city business, which cannot be called brilliant, offered Groznyy friendship and obliged the mayor of Kaunas to arrange contacts with the Chechen Republic. Lithuania Landsbergis on Chechnya, EU, Russian Ties LD2712115794 Vilnius Radio Vilnius Network in Lithuanian 1000 GMT 27 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Excerpt] Vytautas Landsbergis, chairman of the Lithuanian conservative party—the This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 Homeland Union—speaking at a news conference this morning spoke about the events in Chechnya and Russia and the remarks made by the European Union con- cerning Russia’s demands for a treaty with Lithuania on military transit. Here is Guoda Salciute with the details: [Began Salciute recording] [passage omitted] Lands- bergis stressed that the West has begun to realize that all that is happening in Chechnya today is burying democ- racy in Russia. In fact, the events are not taking place in Chechnya, because the most important and the most dangerous events are taking place in Moscow. While burying democracy in Russia, the West—according to their press—is also burying the trust of their allies, including the Baltic states, Landsbergis maintained. [passage omitted] Speaking about political events in Lithuania, Lands- bergis said that Lithuanian politicians should draw some conclusions because Russia managed to get favorable pronouncements from the European Union concerning the treaty on military transit with Lithuania. Landsbergis presented his opinion on the above issue in a statement that stressed that such a demarche had not been prevented or made more specific because of the inefficiency of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A special treaty with Lithuania on military transit as demanded by Russia raises new political dan- gers. Lithuania had and still has reasonably good rela- tions with Russia; however, if Russia fails to implement the agreements once again or uses economic cooperation as a means for exerting political pressure on Lithuania— if, using the cold war—Russian television continues to instigate hostility toward the Baltic countries, then a relevant demarche should be addressed to those who behave in such an unacceptable manner, the statement reads. Of late, Russia’s behavior has been, in general, shocking and unacceptable. Ignoring the real context of murder and violence, almost demanding that Lithuania should undertake obligations to the Russian militarist forces that are carrying out a criminal war in Chechnya, the European Union may make a mistake. Instead of increasing security in the Baltic region, it would, on the contrary, promote Russian expansionism—the objective of which is to dominate once again in the Baltic Sea and to dictate the choices of the Baltic states and Europe, the statement stresses. [end recording] Brazauskas Comments on Ties With Belarus LD2812162794 Vilnius Radio Vilnius Network in Lithuanian 1400 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Translated Text] Lithuanian President Algirdas Brazauskas has given an interview to the Belarus News Agency [BNA]. BALTIC STATES 55 According to the president, the Belarus-Lithuanian border crossing procedure should be simplified as far as possible; however, for the time being, in order to avoid the entry of illegal immigrants and the smuggling of narcotics and weapons our state border cannot remain completely open, the president said. The Lithuanian leader stressed that in order to sign the treaty on the state border, only several insignificant technical details need to be coordinated. He said he is convinced that this treaty will be initialled and signed at the beginning of the next year if not already this year. Asked why Belarus and Lithuania have not yet signed the treaty on friendship and cooperation, Algirdas Braza- uskas said that the preparation of this document of paramount importance has been unjustifiably delayed. The treaty is to be signed during President Lukashenka’s visit to Lithuania. This is expected to take place in January. President Algirdas Brazauskas believes that using the port of Klaipeda is beneficial not only to Lithuania but to Belarus as well because this is the nearest port for the cargo of that country. BNA stressed that the Lithuanian president said that Lithuania is interested in maintaining growth in cargo transportation through the port of Klaipeda. Lithuania started economic reforms earlier than Belarus. We managed to stabilize the slump in production only in the fourth year of the reforms, the president said. He also stressed that some mistakes in carrying out the reforms, such as the leap to world prices and the sudden severing of links with other states, especially with the CIS coun- tries, could be named as reasons for the decline in Lithuania. Guided by well considered policy, the high rate of inflation was curbed last year and this provided an opportunity to go over to a national currency, Algirdas Brazauskas maintained and immediately stressed that going over to free prices should be flexible. It was a mistake to do away with (?the existing system of production) without having a ready alternative. How- ever, we understood that this kind of system was not the most effective form of production because property relations have to be determined for every citizen. [sen- tence as heard] The president thinks that this is a necessary condition. He maintained that we can pride ourselves on our national currency, its stability, the convertible currency, and the state reserves converted into gold. Algirdas Brazauskas said that he believes that the introduction of the national currency and linkage with the U.S. dollar were the main achievements in Lithuania during the past two years. Replacement Peacekeeping Platoon Destined for Croatia LD2912095694 Vilnius International Service in English 2200 GMT 28 Dec 94 [FBIS Transcribed Text] On Wednesday [28 December] the Lithuanian parliament passed a decision to send a This report may contain copyrighted material. Copying and dissemination is prohibited without permission of the copyright owners. 56 BALTIC STATES new platoon on a peacekeeping mission in Croatia. They will replace the first platoon who served as part of a Danish battalion for five months. Before leaving for Croatia, the second platoon of Lithuanian peacekeepers will have a month-long training course in Denmark. Arms Stockpile in Kaliningrad After Russian Withdrawal LD2812135194 Vilnius Radio Vilnius Network in Lithuanian 1000 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Text] After the withdrawal of the Russian Baltic Navy from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, 35,000 tons of extra scale ammunition of various purpose, equivalent to 10,000 tons of TNT explosives, have accumulated in Kaliningrad. At present 70 percent of the Russian Baltic Navy ammunition, which until the withdrawal of the Russian military forces was in the Baltic states is now found in Kaliningrad. A plan for the reduction of Russian Baltic Navy arma- ments has been set up until the year 2000. Almost 800 railway carriages of ammunition—out of the 3,000 cur- rently present in the region—have been taken out for destruction this year in parts of central Russia and the Leningrad region. Explosives of rated power are destroyed locally in the Kaliningrad region, however, there are no grounds avail- able in the Kaliningrad region for destruction of aviation bombs. The Baltic Sea is too shallow to bury the explo- sives. The Baltic Sea Navy pins great hopes on the sea ferry Kaliningrad-St. Petersburg, which is to be opened in the future. It is believed that this would make the transpor- tation of the ammunition that had accumulated out of the region easier. At present the explosives are being taken out of the Kaliningrad region by support vessels, however, this way of transportation is inefficient and expensive. As an alternative it has been proposed to set up a utilization center for rated power ammunition locally at the Baltic Sea Navy bases. There is such a proposal, however, the Russian Ministry of Defense has not given its approval yet. So far, the Baltic Sea Navy is reducing the pile of ammunition accumulated in the region with their own resources. Next year it is expected to reduce the number of ammunition storage sites by 40 percent and in future to give up this kind of ammunition storage altogether. FBIS-SOV-94-250 29 December 1994 There are plans to destroy locally 516 railway carriages of ammunition and to send 361! railway carriages to Russia for utilization, the Baltic News Service reported. Two Charged With Illegal Possession of Uranium LD2812212394 Vilnius Radio Vilnius Network in Russian 1300 GMT 28 Dec 94 {[FBIS Translated Text] ELTA reports that on Tuesday [27 December], Juozas Vilcinskas and Valerijonas Gar- bauskas, both residents of Kaunas and Kaunas rayon, were officially charged by officials from the Lithuanian General Procuracy Department of Investigation of Orga- nized Crime and Corruption with illegal possession of eight kilograms of radioactive uranium. As a result of investigation by the State Security Depart- ment and the General Procuracy, eight kilograms of radioactive uranium were found in their possession on 15 December. Over the last weeks, searches have been carried out in Kaunas, Visaginas, Utena, and Vilnius. The case is concerned not only with the eight kilograms of radioac- tive uranium that were found, but with about 100 kilograms more of this material that investigators have searched for. Vilcinskas and Garbauskas, who were arrested two weeks ago, tried to sell the radioactive uranium for $2,000 a kilogram; later they reduced the price to $1,500 a kilogram. Analysis of the confiscated uranium is being carried out to determine where it was used. According to Jurgis Jurgelis, director general of the State Security Depart- ment, there are a number of versions concerning the appearance of the uranium in the country. The two main versions are: if the specialists confirm that this type of uranium was used as fuel at nuclear power stations, then it is possible that the uranium got into the hands of the arrested from the Ignalina nuclear power station or some other nuclear power station. Two years ago a cassette with nuclear fuel went missing at the Ignalina nuclear power station. The other version is that the uranium got into the hands of the criminals before it was used as fuel at any nuclear power station. There is no doubt that the uranium was stolen because there is no free trade in nuclear materials anywhere in the world. Most countries, including Lithuania, have signed an agreement on nonproliferation of nuclear materials. This report may contain copyrighted material. 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