THE INTERIOR MINISTRY WILL REDISTRIBUTE ITS FORCES IN THE CAUCASUS…
Izvestia, June 8, 1999, p. 1
… according to Interior Minister Vladimir Rushailo who stands for the redistribution in the Karachaevo-Cherkessian republic so as to prevent “ethnic clashes”.
STEPASHIN WILL MEET WITH MASKHADOV
Izvestia, June 8, 1999, p. 1
Presently, there are three probable whens (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) and two wheres (Vladikavkaz and the Aushevs’ residence in the village of Surakhi, Ingushetia). Stepashin himself does not expect anything in particular from the meeting.
STEPASHIN MEETS WITH LEADERS OF DUMA FACTIONS AND CHAIRMAN SELEZNEV
ORT (Russian Public Television), News program, June 7, 1999, 15:00
Sergei Stepashin had already announced that he was going to meet with leaders of Duma factions and try to persuade them in person of the necessity to adopt a portfolio of economic laws. The portfolio was forwarded to the Duma by Yevgeny Primakov’s government, and had been approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Actually, its adoption will be a sign to the IMF indicating that the parliament approves of the government’s economic course, and a condition for availability of new credits which the budget only took into account. There are about 30 laws and they are needed before the session is over, i.e. before the end of June.
The Duma already adopted two laws in their first readings (on restructuring of the banking system, and additional taxation of high-powered cars). Come Wednesday, the lower house of parliament is supposed to discuss alternative drafts on the gas stations tax. Neither the Duma nor the government want gasoline prices to climb, dragging all other prices with them.
According to available information, the premier suggested a possible way out by proposing to freeze energy prices and railroad tariffs until the end of the year.
This Thursday, the government will discuss major parameters of the 2000 budget, and is already prepared to listen to deputies’ suggestions. Stepashin, like Primakov and Kirienko before him, intends to adopt a tough and unpopular budget.
THE PREMIER MEETS WITH KRASNOYARSK GOVERNOR LEBED
ORT (Russian Public Television), News program, June 7, 1999, 15:00
Alexander Lebed: Our positions coincide to the last detail! That’s amazing. We will continue and enhance our cooperation. Some very serious matters were discussed. Like whether or not to sell Krasugol. It’s a profitable company, but certain forces are trying to play down the price so as to sell it for a song. Here, our positions coincided too.
The governor added that in his opinion, Stepashin could make life hard for criminals all over Russia.
ANOTHER APPOINTMENT IN THE TOP ECHELONS OF POWER
NTV (Independent Television), “Segodnya” program, June 7, 1999, 12:00
Today Premier Stepashin appointed Georgy Tal as director of the Federal Bankruptcy Service. In the light of the decisions the Duma may make this week, the position takes on unprecedented importance: the draft laws concern economic matters are required by the International Monetary Fund. Among other things, we will have to bid adieu to companies and enterprises running in the red.
