Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EUROPE

RUSSIA: "Emergency Measures Too Dangerous"

Vadim Bardin said on page one of reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (12/1): "Primakov came to power, riding on the wave of certain public expectations. So he thinks he cannot fail them. Having society get used first to emergency rhetoric and then to an emergency, i.e., supralawful measures, is extremely dangerous. The authorities may decide that [a state of emergency] is necessary because of the economic crisis and inability to repay debts. If they did, we would have to forget about democratic reform."

"Let's Not Make The Same Mistakes"

Tatyana Koshakareva and Rustam Narzikulov wrote in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (12/1): "No doubt, the superquick privatization and warped market mechanisms are responsible for the current crime wave and the gangland's growing involvement in politics. Those need to be corrected. But do we have to repeat the mistakes we made in the past, when we used violent methods, the last resort of a bankrupt state? We fought a 'market rampage' once, with the diabolical NKVD leading the way, and there being no end to repression and terror.... Without a considered economic policy, combatting crime may prove ruinous to all else, including the Primakov government itself."

"Non-Orthodox Senators"

Yevgeny Bai filed from Washington for reformist weekly Moskovskiye Novosti (12/1): "Amidst a clearly malevolent attitude among the Americans toward Yevgeny Primakov and their disbelief in the efficacy of his government's policy, it is rather surprising to hear some of their leading politicians ever more vigorously calling for aid to Russia in reducing its nuclear arsenal and even for America's unilateral disarmament.... As we discuss joint projects in that area, we should not suspect the Americans of ulterior motives. U.S. security directly depends on the condition of the aged warheads on Russian missiles. American senators (Richard Lugar and Bob Kerry) are sincere as they try to convince their nation that, when they urge new appropriations for Russia for disarmament purposes, they are thinking not of charity but of peace at home."

"IMF Mission Ends In Nothing"

Semyon Novoprudsky stated on page one of reformist Izvestiya (11/25): "The current IMF mission has...ended with the sides split widely on the basic principles of financial policy. The IMF's refusal to support Moscow, no matter what the Russian government says about getting out of the crisis on its own, means that we will face a foreign debt default next year."

"Maslyukov's Dilemma"

Aleksei Makushkin said in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (11/25): "For Maslyukov and his team, to accept the IMF's position [on fiscal requirements for IMF aid] would be to lose face at home, and not to accept it would be to lose hope for an agreement."

"Russia On Sidelines"

Aleksei Goncharov lamented in reformist Segodnya (11/25): "With oil prices falling again and the government lacking a coherent economic plan, Russia remains a country lost in the snow on the sidelines of the world financial market."

"Toughness In Vogue"

Reformist Izvestiya front-paged this comment (11/25) by Vladimir Yermolin and Andrei Kolesnikov: "Galina Starovoitova's assassination has spawned a lot of political speculation. The authorities have joined in, too. At various levels, officials have been talking of 'harsh and consistent measures.'... With chaos reigning supreme, trying to enforce order through striking militia actions will only add to chaos and may lead to the state of emergency the Communists have been insisting upon recently. There is no need for tougher militia rules or changes in legislation."

"Dead State"

In a page-one editorial, reformist Izvestiya called Galina Starovoitova the victim of the first political assassination in contemporary Russia (11/24): "In Russia, anyone can get killed, for anything.... This means that the Russian state is no more. It is dead. We have destroyed the communist state--a reign of lies, fear and shortages--but we have failed to build a state governed by law in its place."

"Russia Shaken"

Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta front-paged this editorial on Starovoitova's assassination (11/24): "Russia is shaken psychologically and politically. Only...legitimate and responsible actions by the authorities and all leading political forces can stop this country from splitting into two feuding camps. The alternative is either dictatorship or a free-for-all."

"Russia In Quarantine"

According to Vyacheslav Nikonov in reformist Izvestiya (11/24): "There is a consensus in Washington that Russia's complete failure as a state poses no danger to U.S. interests. Previously we were considered too large and too nuclear to let us collapse and plunge into chaos. Not any more.... Russia is so weak, it is said, that whatever happens inside it cannot affect the outside world so much as to damage the United States.... Talking about Russia, the Americans have increasingly been using the word 'quarantine.' It is unclear how having Russia cornered might benefit the West. We know what self-respect is, and we will not always be weak."

"U.S. Unimpressed"

Melor Sturua noted in reformist Izvestiya (11/19): "Despite Russian officials' rather optimistic tone, it was clear from their comments that the United States will not unconditionally support Russia's economic policy any more. Americans say that 'the Russian blackmail'--references to economic collapse, the loss of control over the nuclear potential, hyperinflation, etc.--no longer impresses Washington. It seems as if the Americans are not going to help Moscow, except in the humanitarian and security spheres."

"Russia Goes Down On Its Knees"

Viktor Sokolov said in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (11/18): "[While] disclaiming responsibility for Russia's economic ruin, our foreign 'partners' are again attempting to force Moscow to give up its own anti-crisis measures. As previously, 'outside aid' will not come, unless the West approves our plan. The only difference is that now the West is trying to hedge itself against a possible failure, holding Russia solely responsible for whatever might happen.... Desperate for money, the Russian government seems to be ready to go down on its knees."

"Banking Crisis Here To Stay"

Aleksei Makushkin mused in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (11/18): "There is a wide-spread delusion that to lift the banking system out of the crisis, it is enough to find the money to repay its debts.... Lump-sum funding will not make up for poor management and a lack of coherent prospects for investment. Which means that the banking crisis is going to be long and complicated. It is not where we can get the money, but to whom we can trust it so that it could be used effectively."

"Kremlin Can't Be Serious About Multipolar World Concept"

Vladimir Kulagin said in centrist weekly Novaya Gazeta (11/16-22): "The Kremlin and the Foreign and Defense Ministries cannot be serious about 'the mechanistic thesis' whereby the 19th century's multipolar world has come back to replace the Cold War era's bipolar world.... Even if the world were to become multipolar again, Russia would have a slim chance to be one of the poles, its GDP accounting for a little over one percent of the world's total."

"Little Steps"

Leonid Krutakov commented on the government's economic plan in reformist, youth-oriented Moskovskiy Komsomolets (11/17): "The Primakov cabinet has offered us a program of little steps. The premier's tendency to compromise and politicize too much, for which he has been criticized, has in the end turned out to be an advantage. The program does not dwell too much on the previous governments' mistakes, nor does it suggest radical measures which, to use Chubais's words, would be doomed to success. It is tailored to real conditions in a real country, with an eye to avoiding a possible 'social explosion.'"

"Starting Reform Anew"

Aleksandr Belyakov observed in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (11/14): "The problem of economic progress is one of stabilizing the currency market, as a way both to put an end to the price rise and the shortage of goods and to help banks settle their accounts.... It's painful to see the dirt and aspersions cast at the government, along with all sorts of liberal-market propositions, such as the currency board. Those suggestions, in principle, are bad for Russia. Besides, there is nothing behind them financially and socially."

"Cool War"

From Washington, Yuriy Sigov wrote in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (11/5): "America's attitude toward Russia has changed for the worse, so much so that relations between Moscow and Washington may very soon look like a 'cool war.'... Along with the Republicans, who have never been particularly fond of Russia, officials of the Clinton administration, frustrated over Primakov's 'red government,' have lately been very critical of Moscow and its allegedly 'anti-American policy.' The Americans are peeved about the Russians challenging them across the world. They have felt bereaved since the Russian government shed 'their' people (Chubais, Nemtsov and Kiriyenko, to name but three), without replacing them with new 'pro-American personalities.'"

"Ill-Fated Document"

Andrei Bagrov, commenting on page one of reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (10/30), described the government's new anti-crisis program as an "ill-fated document. Neither the Duma nor the IMF will like it. It is more like a training aid to help the government see that anti-crisis measures proposed for political reasons are not anti-crisis."

"Primakov Plays For Time"

Aleksandr Bekker mused on page one of reformist Vremya-MN (10/30): "It is not really a destiny-making program as far as the government is concerned. It will not win credits from the IMF or a better foreign debt repayment plan. By having economists with not too liberal and moderately liberal views work together on that plan, Primakov was playing for time so he could look around and make decisions which...would make sense. The new program, arguably, serves to arrest public attention and let passions die down."

"It Looks Like Lenin's Plan"

Vadim Bardin, referring to Prime Minister Primakov's economic program, remarked on page one of reformist, business-oriented Kommersant Daily (10/29): "It is nothing other than the second edition of Lenin's NEP [new economic policy]. The government is going to regain command of banking and manufacturing, leaving small businesses in the private sector. For the USSR in the 1920s, this, obviously, was progress. For Russia in the 1990s, the inverse is true."

"How Badly Does Moscow Want Foreign Aid?"

Yulia Ulyanova said on page one of reformist Segodnya (10/29): "Moscow may criticize the IMF for its standard approach to this country's problems, as Yevgeny Primakov did in Vienna. The question is: Does the government really want aid from international financial institutions or [will it resort to] an increased money supply?"

BRITAIN: "How To Save Russia"

The independent Financial Times opined (11/30): "The prospect of the biggest country in the world crashing into economic disaster is rapidly developing from a remote possibility into a real danger, with an appalling impact on the country's 150 million suffering people, and wholly unpredictable consequences for the rest of us. Unless it moves urgently to raise additional tax revenues, there is even a risk next year that it might default on its post 1992 eurobonds and $5 billion of principal and interest repayments to the IMF and World Bank.... The international community, if not the IMF, could still make one enormous contribution to Russian reform: In return for the Russian parliament passing a fair and reasonable tax code, the G-7 leading industrialized countries could offer to help fund, train and equip an efficient tax service to a raise the revenue needed to rebuild the Russian state. The international community has been helping the Russian 'oligarchy' to help themselves for far too long. Maybe it is time to start helping the tax authorities to help the people instead."

"Non-President Yeltsin"

The independent weekly Economist editorialized (11/27): "Russia urgently needs a steadier hand than [Yeltsin's] to...lead it through the economic dangers ahead. The transfer of power need not be as scary as some outsiders fear. On balance, a Russia under President Primakov would be less dangerous than a Russia with no real president at all. What matters more than the identity of Russia's leader is the principle that the next head of state should be chosen by due constitutional process. A democratic transfer of power would be a remarkable landmark. In a country as unpredictable as Russia, it is mildly reassuring that most people seem at present to assume that Mr. Yeltsin's successor will be freely elected. The sooner this process begins, the better."

"Russia's Fate"

The independent Financial Times judged (11/3): "After seven weeks of delay and indecision, Prime Minister Primakov agreed on an economic strategy with his government over the weekend.... This is a stop-gap plan, born of political expediency and compromise. It may tide Russia through for a few months, but eventually must end in high inflation, or in price controls and goods rationing.... A rapid rate of money creation will be needed to finance a yawning budget deficit.... It is now clear that this government will do little more than muddle through. A credible economic plan will have to wait for a vigorous new president, able to push through vital reforms including changes to the tax system, banking system and land ownership. If such a plan were in place, the West could support it by helping to fund the remaining budget deficit. But for there to be any chance at all of this happening, Boris Yeltsin, now physically unable to rule, must first resign."

FRANCE: "Russian Chaos"

Paul Meunier stressed in regional Sud-Ouest (11/24): "A free-speaking political representative is assassinated by professionals while the nation's president governs from his hospital bed.... We need to be concerned with the political, economic and moral chaos taking over in the former second-largest world power."

"Murder In Saint Petersburg"

Right-of-center Les Echos emphasized (11/24): "It will obviously be extremely difficult to shed any light on this latest assassination of a political personality...but it proves once again that Russian democracy is as fragile as its president. The fact that Alexander Shokhin, one of Yeltsin's most faithful supporters, admitted on Monday that Yeltsin was no longer in a position to govern, proves the extent of his political and personal collapse."

"Primakov: Russia's Only Answer"

Dominique Bromberger aired this commentary on government-funded France Inter radio (10/30): "Russia's true boss is Primakov, an apparatchik, as congenial as a Siberian winter. A man who has little affection for the West and a former KGB man.... Yet he is competent, serious and supposedly honest.... Yeltsin brought his nation the first non-negligible signs of a democratic process. To call for his dismissal would be breaking a contract...and a terrible step backwards for Russia. Primakov must safeguard the country's constitutional continuity. Even if he does not inspire much sympathy, we must wish Primakov every success, for the Russian people and for our own sakes."

GERMANY: "Primakov Is Driving The IMF Into A Corner"

Markus Ziener observed in business Handelsblatt of Duesseldorf (12/1): "Primakov...has realized that the printing of more rubles...and a rejection of the principles of a market economy will not result in positive developments.... The Russian economy is not ailing because it is confronted with an abundance of reforms but because of a reform deficit. This is a bitter truth because it forces Russia to look at the mistakes it made. It is the Russians who have governed the country over the past few years.... IMF Director Michel Camdessus...is faced with a pile of debris in the case of Russia.... The G-7, which sets the tone in the IMF, has...propagated a soft line and even approved loans which any other transformation country would not have got if it had not implemented reforms.... In Moscow, the IMF is considered the extended arm of the West, which will not cut assistance for Russia.... In order to prevent a total insolvency, the IMF...will probably transfer additional funds to Russia according to the premise: Reforms or no, Russia is at stake."

"Yeltsin Should Clean Out His Desk"

Mass-circulation, right-of-center Bild Zeitung of Hamburg indicated (11/24): "Russia's president, who is hardly able to do his job, is sick again, this time suffering from pneumonia. Yeltsin should clean out his desk.... Each further day of agony strengthens the opponents of democracy in the largest country in the world. If the communists and nationalists gain power, the world will change overnight."

"Russia Sinking Deeper Into Maelstrom Of Crisis"

According to centrist Mitteldeutsche Zeitung of Halle (11/24): "It has been obvious long before, his latest stay in a clinic that Yeltsin is no longer able to do his job. Weeks ago, he withdrew from political life, but without creating a clear [succession] situation.... In the meantime, Russia is sinking even deeper into the maelstrom of the crisis.... The killing of reform politician Starovoitova is only a crass example of the disintegration of public morals. It is true that Premier Primakov succeeded in creating relative quiet in the country, but otherwise he has moved nothing."

"Toward A State Of Emergency In Russia"

Right-of-center Koelnische Rundschau determined (11/24): "The increasingly loud calls for amendments to the constitution and early Duma and presidential elections, which have been raised even by Yeltsin's supporters, are falling on deaf ears.... Primakov [must] see to it that the Federation does not go down in power struggles from which only a tyrant could rise. All indications are that Primakov will resort to...imposing a state of emergency."

"Death In Installments"

Right-of-center Frankenpost of Hof contended (11/24): "What we are witnessing today [with Yeltsin] is a death in installments. But who will inherit his legacy?... Primakov would certainly be a good candidate, and the same is true for Moscow's Mayor Lushkov. And many people...are convinced that former war hero...Alexander Lebed will succeed Yeltsin. The question is whether the Russians will manage to achieve a transition to a new leader in the Kremlin without resorting to violence.... But first of all, they need something to eat."

"Authority Of State Dissolves In Russia"

Centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin told its readers (11/23): "The killing of Galina Starovoitova reveals a threat that is much more dangerous than the economic crisis: the dissolution of the authority of the state.... For the first time, a person of national significance was killed.... She represented a symbolic figure for a clean, democratic Russia. Russia has not so much embarked upon economic chaos, but on a path to anarchy."

"A Coolly Calculated Contract Killing"

Centrist Suedkurier of Constance concluded (11/23): "[Galina Starovoitova's death] was obviously not one of the usual killings in the grey zone between politics and mafia, but a coolly calculated contract killing.... Many in Russia are suspecting the Communists.... Seven years after it was deprived of power, the mask of Lenin's...ideology has finally fallen. Under Gennadi Zyuganov, the Communist Party has degenerated into a reservoir for nationalists, anti-Westerners, and Jew-haters. Even though the party leadership rejects any responsibility for the killing, it at least bears responsibility for the alarming deterioration of the political atmosphere."

"The End Of A Superpower"

Right-of-center Magdeburger Volksstimme told its readers (11/13): "An end to a superpower cannot be documented more clearly.... Moscow has asked the EU for food aid.... The bitterly serious situation in Russia is 'home-made.' For years, the leaders in Russia have had nothing better to do than to quarrel about power and positions and to impose inappropriate radical reforms on the country, and then idly watch as the rich became richer and the poor became poorer. The West, in turn, pumped a lot of money into the country and made a profit from it when Russia bought plenty of consumer goods from the West. But the money was hardly used for long-term investments. No wonder that, for many Russians, the Soviet times are today considered paradisiacal times. At least everybody had enough to eat."

"Political Vacuum In Russia"

Centrist Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung noted (11/1): "First Yeltsin gave up his economic authority, and now we hear from Moscow about a reduced political role. In installments, Boris Yeltsin is bidding farewell to the top job of the Russian empire. So far, he has succeeded again and again in overcoming all kinds of crises. But this time, the erosion of power can no longer be prevented.... It is inevitable that a political vacuum will now develop which Primakov can fill only to a limited degree. These are bad prospects for the Russian people and...can also make Moscow's policy less predictable for the West."

"Russian Empire Returns To Old Habits"

Right-of-center Maerkische Oder-Zeitung of Frankfurt on the Oder opined (11/1): "Primakov again tried to solve the economic problems of the country. On the one hand, the Russian premier wants to introduce price controls and subsidize the ramshackle economy. On the other hand, he has committed himself to creating a free market economy in the country. This is a contradiction. In reality, the large empire returns to old habits. In the Kremlin, people are currently setting the tone who have taken old prescriptions out of the drawers again. Their maxim is: A lot of state and a little bit of market.... Yeltsin is no longer in control of developments. Primakov has gradually gained authority and is acting as a de facto transition president. Hardly anybody thinks that Yeltsin will reach the end of his term in the year 2000. But...Primakov is no man of the future either."

"Yeltsin's 'Soft' Resignation"

Miriam Neubert observed in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (10/29): "Now it has been officially announced: The Russian president will restrict his activities.... The conclusion is that the sick president will hardly appear in public. It is obviously necessary to treat him gently to prevent early elections. Some even speak of Yeltsin's 'soft' resignation.... So far, we have not heard of a clear program on the future economic course of Russia.... The drafts that have been leaked to the press do not allow for the conclusion that the government is planning a drastic change of course. Nobody speaks any longer of reforms."

ITALY: "Poor And Hopeless Russia"

Sandro Viola commented on the front-page of left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (11/13): " In the coming weeks the first food aid will be sent to Russia from America and the EU.... This time the West keeps its distance from the Russian crisis. The American and European governments and the international financial institutions hesitate to deal with such a mess. Indeed, such an attitude can be understood. The greatest Western failure in this last decade was the fact that it did not succeed--notwithstanding the economic efforts and constant political support--to help Russia recover. The backlash of this failure is now a feeling of impotence.... Because the Russian collapse is so big, it would be difficult...to decide where to begin....

"In any case, Russia might need food aid...but it is also the country with the world's second largest nuclear arsenal."

"Leftist Europe Challenged By Russia"

A commentary by Franco Venturini on the front page of centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera held (10/30): "Only two months after the ruble emergency, the West seems to have removed the Russian crisis from its list of priorities.... But the signals coming from Moscow suggest that persevering [on this course] would be diabolic.... Russia, as a whole, is in pieces.... Even the most moderate reformers have disappeared from a government which is under the influence of Communists who have changed very little.... Primakov had to struggle to put together an anti-crisis program which is full of ambiguities. And now the vacuum at the Kremlin opens the prospect of early presidential elections.... Do we still need to remind everybody that Russia owns the world's second largest nuclear arsenal, that its territorial unity is strongly threatened, and that another dismantling of the empire...would upset Europe's geo-political equilibrium?"

"Moscow, Yeltsin Has No Powers Any More"

A report from Moscow in leading business Il Sole-24 Ore noted (10/29): "It has been clear since yesterday that Yeltsin is no longer at the helm in Russia. Yeltsin has given up his leadership on economic policy, the deputy chief of the presidential staff, Oleg Sisujev, said yesterday and control is now in the hands of Prime Minister Primakov.... The debate is now switching from Yeltsin's health to the transition and the new equilibrium of powers that will be born from changes to the Constitution."

"Yeltsin Is Sick, Powers Transferred To Primakov"

PDS (leading government party) L'Unita' wrote (10/29): "Notwithstanding the Kremlin's reassurances about the health of the old leader, the helm of Russia is inexorably being transferred into the hands of the prime minister. All current affairs have been trusted to him since yesterday. The very delicate management of the economy will be a matter for him and the competent ministries to handle.... President Yeltsin is increasingly a political shadow in Moscow."

BELGIUM: "Russians Concerned About 'Containment' Policy"

Eastern European affairs writer Freddy De Pauw remarked in independent Catholic De Standaard (11/17): "Following the implosion of the Soviet empire and, later on, the Soviet Union, Russia drew back in an Eastern direction to become, more than ever before, a 'Eurasian power.' Many Russians are obsessed by an image of a nation which is virtually being expelled from Europe. In their view, NATO's plans for an enlargement in an Eastern direction are part of a policy of 'containment' to limit Russia's role in its own 'near abroad.'"

HUNGARY: "The Russian Patient'"

Foreign affairs columnist Gabor Stier observed pro-government Magyar Nemzet (10/29): "The president is sick and so is the economy...and no one knows whether Yeltsin will be able to serve out his second term. The campaign tension, therefore, is permanent. The powers and interests are quite a mix in terms of background, and consequently the year 2000 elections are a good opportunity for the new presidential candidates. But unpredictability, at the same time, distracts attention on how to tackle the economic crisis."

POLAND: "Fascism's Counter-Attack"

Leopold Unger asked in liberal Gazeta Wyborcza (11/24): "Why Galina Starovoitova? Because she symbolized honesty in politics, did not trade in principles, and continued to warn against the threats of communism and nationalism.... Why now?... Because for practical purposes the Russian state does not exist.... The real target of the assassination was democracy."

"For Whom The Bell Tolls"

Jan Skorzynski asserted in centrist Rzeczpospolita (11/23): "The assassination of Galina Starovoitova demonstrates that Russia still has a long road to travel.... Murder in Russia has become--both in politics and business--one of the ways to battle for influence and eliminate competition. The point is that these crimes go unaccounted for and their perpetrators unpunished.... If Russia wants its global aspirations to be treated seriously, it must first bring order to its own country.... It needs to build a state based on the rule of law and democracy which uses the ballot instead of a handgun, and on a free market where profits are generated by fair entrepreneurship and not by the mafia."

"Death For Truth"

Joanna Strzelczyk stressed in right-of-center Zycie (11/23): "The assassination of Galina Starovoitova is one more depressing homicide statistic in Russia. It is beyond any doubt politically motivated--Starovoitova was not involved in any business activities, but she began to constitute a threat for the local oligarchic groups.... Regardless of the motive, this murder is part of the efforts staged by nationalist-communist groups to oust Boris Yeltsin, and--in a broader sense--to seize power in Russia."

"Russia With Its Back To The Wall"

Slawomir Popowski observed in centrist Rzeczpospolita (11/18): "Russia has its back to the wall.... Experts agree that, without credit assistance from the IMF, Russia will not be able to stand on its feet. The Fund is no longer willing to senselessly pump more billions of dollars into Russia without a guarantee that they will be used as earmarked. The IMF is ready to help, but it demands a reasonable plan of action and the continuation of market reform.... The world wants to help Russia. The international community cares to see Russia integrated into the democratic commonwealth of nations. But Moscow is worth supporting only if it is ready to evolve in the right direction. The choice is with the Russians alone."

"As Long As I Survive, So Do Your Fortunes"

Waclaw Radziwinowicz observed in liberal Gazeta Wyborcza (10/31-11/1): "Practically, Yeltsin does not govern Russia any more. Russia...sees a vacuum of power which is a peril to itself and to the world.... It seems that the sooner [Yeltsin] goes...the sooner Moscow can start solving its problems. Russia, which stands on the verge of bankruptcy or even famine, cannot wait any longer. But Yeltsin's early withdrawal can...be even more dangerous.... Apart from being a guarantor of the Constitution, the president has a 'covert' function which is even more crucial--as long as Yeltsin remains in the Kremlin, the owners of enormous fortunes that emerged in past years have the guarantee that their oil, gas or coal empires will not be taken away from them.... Once Yeltsin leaves, an uncompromising fight for the Kremlin will start."

"Prime Minister To Rule"

Leopold Unger wrote in liberal Gazeta Wyborcza (11/2): "Discreetly, without causing panic, the Yeltsin-style of ruling has been buried.... Yeltsin is leaving the stage, he ceases to run the country....

"For the first time since its emergence in 1991, the Russian Federation is not governed by the president but by the prime minister.... The stakes are enormous. The current Russian Constitution, written by Yeltsin and for Yeltsin, entrusts the president with sweeping powers.... Yeltsin will not manage to change the Constitution, since the procedure is long and complicated. In other words, the new president will be equipped with a big instrument of power in a very huge and uncomfortable state.... The world...will be writing letters to a new czar."

SPAIN: "Russia's Fate"

Ignacio Sanchez Camara remarked in conservative ABC (12/1): "The Russian crisis has not come about because of the malignancy of capitalism, for capitalism never existed.... Feeling nostalgia for communism in Russia is like feeling nostalgia for alcoholism or any old vice that led straight to ruin.... Perhaps Russia is paying now for the historic error of having engaged in one of the worst nightmares of the century, even though the citizenry and the country itself are not deserving of this fate."

"Hospitalized Again"

Liberal El Pais commented (11/24): "Over the last few days rumors about [Yeltsin's] possible resignation have been swirling around Moscow.... It is indeed unusual that a summit meeting between the leaders of two nuclear powers should take place in a hospital. The Russian and Chinese leaders yesterday signed important agreements regarding cooperation on matters affecting their border and regarding bilateral relations for the next century. But this courtesy visit aside, Jiang Zemin's real interest lies in meeting with Primakov...and other representatives of the principal political groupings in Russia."

"Russia's Harsh Winter"

Independent El Mundo pointed out (11/24): "With neither food nor fuel, Russians have been left to stand by helplessly, freezing, and hungry while a power struggle unfolds in the halls of the Kremlin.... Yeltsin's removal as head of state either temporarily (as happened when he was operated on for heart problems) or permanently (either by constitutional means or in the event of his unlikely resignation) can hardly be seen as a panacea in the midst of chaos, the dimensions of which have not been seen since the end of WWII. And it is said that early elections would only retard the application of any plan designed to remedy the crisis. Fine, but having now reached this point, what is needed is a new institutional framework so that whatever recovery plan that may be adopted can be pursued at least somewhat seriously."

"Violence, Russian-Style"

Barcelona's centrist La Vanguardia commented (11/23): "Russia has been convulsed by the gunning down of liberal Duma member Galina Starovoitova, one of the historic figures associated with 'perestroika.' Her assassination, the sixth member of parliament to be murdered in the last four years and the fifth such killing in St. Petersburg in a little more than a month, has brought political violence, which is getting worse with each passing day, to the fore.... Anti-communists or reformers on one side, and communists and nationalists on the other have waged an increasingly bitter war of words making for a highly charged political atmosphere, already suffused with the tensions caused by the financial collapse and economic crisis of last August.... Starovoitova's assassination signals the onset of yet another stage of Russian political radicalization."

"Yeltsin The Obstacle"

Liberal El Pais noted (11/6): "For seven years Boris Yeltsin ruled Russia without being overshadowed by anyone...but that situation has changed. The 67-year-old man...is but the shadow of his former self, while his day-to-day functions have passed to Prime Minister Primakov.... In Russia's current circumstances, international aid alone will not suffice. In order to avoid the looming abyss, an executive and parliament committed to genuine structural reforms--difficult for a legitimately skeptical and exhausted citizenry to accept--are essential. But a 'new deal' like the one that is needed will not emerge from Primakov and his entourage. Rather, a new president is urgently needed with the power and disposition to undertake a real reform program whose inception cannot wait another two years."

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL: "Starving Russia"

Ultra-orthodox Hamodia's editorial judged (11/3): "Despite its miserable economic, social and political conditions, Russia insists on playing the superpower role, no less than America's equal.... Russia appears not to realize that its international status is that of a beggar. When it comes to world politics Moscow prefers to pretend it is a premier league player."

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

CHINA: "Tax Issue May Bar IMF Aid To Russia"

Official China Daily said (11/30): "Russia is counting on credits from the IMF to help rescue its economy, but analysts say taxation policies are a major hurdle and the government itself appears split on the issue. Analysts said apparent differences within the government over taxes will do little to help Russia in its bid for new credits."

"When Will Russia Pay Its Debts?"

Guo Ji commented in official Beijing municipal Beijing Daily (Beijing Ribao, 11/17): "If the Russian government continues to delay paying its debts, it will become further derailed from the world economic track and its prestige among Western countries will also increasingly decline."

"U.S. Rethinks Its Russia Policy"

Zhang Dezhen wrote in Official Communist Party People's Daily (Renmin Ribao, 10/29): "When economic difficulties threatened Russia, countries including the United States invariably urged stepping up the reforms--relaxing price controls, free exchange of the ruble and privatization--as conditions for aid. These requirements have undoubtedly [hurt] the already troubled Russian economy.... The Russian crisis has heightened the instability of the U.S.-Russian relationship. The prospect of Russia is still uncertain, that the United States is also at a loss and, therefore, will have to take a wait-and-see attitude."

HONG KONG: "Role Reversal"

The independent South China Morning Post observed (11/25): "Beijing puts great store by its relations with Russia.... China's continuing hopes (that) these can provide a counter-balance to U.S. dominance in the post-Cold War world.... But the reality, which must have become apparent to Mr. Jiang during this visit, is that this is a country which no longer carries much clout in the international arena. With its economy in tatters and a president too ill to leave hospital, Russia is close to falling off the edge of the world map....

"For the hard truth is that what Mr. Yeltsin thinks is unlikely to matter for very much longer and that Beijing's relations with Russia are no longer nearly so important as they once were."

INDONESIA: "Russia's Economic Woes"

Leading, independent Kompas noted (11/2): "The shift in state responsibilities became apparent when Mr. Primakov announced an economic package in Yeltsin's absence. It basically rejected IMF recommendations [for a market economy, privatization and economic liberalization].... Russia wants to allow increased state intervention to end the economic crisis.... The IMF views Russia's economic package as a setback.... Primakov, together with other senior Russian officials, surely cannot expect to repeat past mistakes. In particular, there is no reason for a return to the past Communist era, which demonstrated that totalitarianism only brings economic and social miseries."

JAPAN: "Russia's Political And Economic Future Remains Cloudy"

An editorial in business-oriented Nihon Keizai observed (11/4): "The political and economic future of Russia has become cloudy again because of Yeltsin's failing health. In fact, it has become increasingly uncertain whether the ailing Russian President will be able to serve out his presidential term which expires in the summer of 2000. Although the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Primakov, has finally decided on new economic measures, details of these measures are not clear.... Amid the present political and economic confusion in Russia, Primakov has risen to political prominence, and is considered a likely successor to the ailing president. Russia's new economic measures, however, do not include a concrete plan to increase state revenue.... With Yeltsin politically crippled, the Primakov cabinet must launch a clear, long-range economic strategy to determine the direction of the Russian economy."

SOUTH KOREA: "Where Will Russia Go?"

The anti-establishment Hankyoreh Shinmun commented (11/11): "The premature presidential race triggered by the political vacuum left by an ailing President Yeltsin is pitting candidates against each other, and has sent them searching for political partners who can improve the chances of victory. If the election is held now, Moscow Mayor Luzhkov is the strongest candidate. The entrepreneur-style politician is gaining popular support by stressing his leadership in crisis management.... In this precarious political situation, alliances are perceived to be critical in clinching victory. However, considering President Yeltsin's personality and his attachment to power, he is unlikely to resign. Thus, an early presidential election is a pipe-dream for presidential aspirants."

"No Food And No Hope"

Reporter Ryu Jae-hoon of independent Hankyoreh Shinmun wrote (11/10): "The economic policy of the Primakov administration is nothing but an awkward compromise between a socialist and a market-oriented economy, this being part of the reason why the Russian economy is lacking any sense of consistency. Knowing this, the West continues to refuse to loan more money to Russia than what is crucially needed. All this is an indicator that Russia's dangerous economic condition is likely to get worse.... Paradoxically, it is the thriftiness the Russian people, learned during the Soviet era, that is sustaining life in Russia now. The social rules of the Soviet era, in other words, are cleaning up the failure of seven-year old market reform efforts."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Yeltsin Visit Scrapped"

The nationalist Hindustan Times had this editorial (11/20): "The cancellation of the Russian president's trip to India is the latest in a series of botched or scrapped state sorties abroad.... One (may) assume that he is treading in the footsteps of his Soviet predecessors who used to...cling on to power till the very last.... It is more probable, however, that Yeltsin's decision to send Primakov to New Delhi confirms what many observers have suspected for long: The president has reconciled himself to the fact that he will not be able to hang on much longer and wants to hand over most of his powers to Primakov.... Yeltsin could still stifle...demands for his resignation by retaining only a ceremonial role for himself, and avoiding the pitfalls of Kremlin politics, while letting Primakov try and bring the ailing economy out of the doldrums."

"Inching Towards A Handover"

Moscow correspondent Dadan Upadhyay penned this analysis for the right-of-center Indian Express (11/3): "Primakov's power has grown as Yeltsin has become increasingly powerless.... As concern grows over Yeltsin's failing health, calls have risen for reinstituting the vice-president's post.... Indeed, the Russian press has already started calling Primakov a de facto vice-president.... But as Primakov's political stature grows, trouble brews for him. Some contenders for the presidency obviously fear Primakov may throw his hat into the ring.... However, the only real danger to the Primakov government could lie in the unpredictability of Yeltsin, who has so far fired two prime ministers in five months.... Already, the Communist-dominated Duma is seeking to amend the 1993 Constitution to wrest power from the president.... Analysts...feel the Kremlin is...trying to drag out the process for as long as possible, hoping that...the pressure on Yeltsin to resign or face impeachment would recede."

"Russian Cabinet Approves Anti-Crisis Plan"

The centrist Hindu had this analysis by Moscow correspondent Vladimir Radyuhin (11/2): "Russia's [anti-crisis] plan...calls for tighter currency controls, price controls on fuel, electricity and medicines, and state support for domestic industry. This amounts to an about-face in the free market policy pursued by liberal reformers over the past six years. It is not yet clear how the government will finance the new plan. It hopes to drastically increase budget revenues by imposing State monopoly on alcohol production and tightening tax collection.... Printing money is one of the ways in which the cash-strapped government is going to pay its bills, but, if it is to honor a promise to keep next year's inflation below 30 percent, it cannot print enough rubles to plug all revenue gaps.... The economics minister admitted that the program relies on as-yet-unreleased IMF loans.... IMF experts were against increased state intervention, wanted a reduction of government spending, and saw plans to rescue failing banks as unrealistic."

"West Confirms Doubts On Yeltsin's Health"

Batuk Gathani had this analysis in the centrist Hindu (10/30): "Yeltsin is in the process of giving up running day-to-day government affairs, and...Prime Minister Primakov is emerging as a strong presidential contender.... Yeltsin's withdrawal from routine work has set the stage for the transfer of power to Primakov.... Many EU officials feel that a pragmatic Primakov in office may be more liberal and market-oriented, when he has managed to pull Russia out of its current economic quagmire.... All is certainly not well on the Russian economic front.... The Russian economy is virtually controlled by gangs of 'new rich' criminals-cum-businessmen who are more busy exporting capital than investing in Russia. Some 70 to 80 percent of Russia's trade is based on a crude barter system.... Unemployment is also rising fast."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "No More Aid For Boris"

Oscar Raul Cardoso, leading Clarin's international analyst, opined (11/21): "Rumors regarding Yeltsin's anticipated retirement due to health problems make the alarming Russian situation, already jeopardized by its financial collapse and by the U.S. decision to trim down its economic aid, worse.... His weak health would be the trigger for his political eclipse. It is very possible that Yeltsin may have...run out of time, but the idea of an institutional [leadership] change is a highly risky step. Primakov's government may appear consolidated, but may also disclose, shortly, that it is standing on quicksand. The striking issue about U.S. policy is that it fails to consider its own responsibility in the development of Russian chaos and of the reformers, encouraged by Washington, who helped create it."

CANADA: "Starving The Bear"

The conservative National Post argued (11/4): "Mr. Primakov expects the IMF to keep him supplied with hard currency while he builds the TU-22 supersonic bomber, develops the Topol-M strategic missile system, and meddles in the Middle East and the Balkans. The IMF is right to refuse. Russia's government today is a corrupt, greedy, economically irresponsible and potentially aggressive Leviathan. The first step to taming the beast is to stop feeding it."

"And Take Yeltsin With You"

The leading Globe and Mail wrote (10/29): "These are extraordinary times in Russia, calling for a leadership that is extraordinarily self-confident, aggressive and committed to reform. Instead, Russia has President Boris Yeltsin. For the good of his long-suffering countrymen, it is time for him to go.... Russia's problems cannot wait. His final presidential act should be to announce his resignation and force an early election. Most of the leading candidates may be unattractive, but at least they're better than the alternative: A nuclear-armed Russia, drifting rudderless toward civil collapse."

For more information, please contact:

U.S. Information Agency

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Telephone: (202) 619-4355

12/1/98

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