SERGEI STEPASHIN ON THE CONFLICT BETWEEN ORT AND NTV
Independent Television, Segodnya, July 22, 1999, 14:00
Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin has commented on the conflict between the two TV companies.
Sergei Stepashin: I met yesterday with the managements of NTV and ORT. I am anxious about the information polemics between the two leading TV channels. It is not decent for TV channels to clear up their mutual relations before the eyes of millions of people, mentioning the name of the president and treating him ironically. Let’s remember 1992-1993, when the process of establishing independent TV companies began. Who made them independent? Boris Yeltsin.
SERGEI STEPASHIN ON THE STATEMENTS OF YURY LUZHKOV
ORT, Novosti, July 22, 1999, 15:00
Sergei Stepashin has commented on the latest statement of Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, who asserted that it is necessary to change the authorities in the country.
Sergei Stepashin: I can understand Yury Luzhkov. Of course he must defend his wife, but that form of defense is tactless. If he is not satisfied with the work of any security ministry (I was director of the Federal Security Service, minister of interior affairs, and minister of justice) there are many other ways to defend himself. He can appeal to court or to the general Prosecutor’s Office. He had no right to call for overthrowing the authorities. If his statement was connected with the upcoming elections, I can understand it. but I cannot explain it. On the whole, I think that it was not right on his part.
GENNADY ZYUGANOV: THE LEFT WILL RUN FOR THE DUMA AS A UNITED FRONT
ORT, Novosti, July 22, 1999, 15:00
The leader of the CPRF stated that the party guided by him is ready for the election campaign.
Gennady Zyuganov: I want to state that we will run in a united and powerful column: the Communists, the Agrarians, and other patriots of our country. the list of candidates will be representative, and the program convincing and authoritative. We have been negotiating intensively with Primakov, Luzhkov, and regional leaders. If Luzhkov, Primakov, and I reach an agreement, then there is no sense in the so-called radicals and young reformers taking part in the next elections.
