DATE=8/16/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / DUMA (L UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-252835
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
///// ED'S: THIS REPORT UPDATES CR 2-
252823, PUTIN APPROVED. /////
INTRO: Russia's lower house of parliament has
approved President Boris Yeltsin's nomination of
former K-G-B spy Vladimir Putin as prime minister.
The vote was 233 in favor, 84 against, with 17
abstentions. V-O-A's Peter Heinlein in Moscow reports
Mr. Putin promised a crackdown on crime and a
continuation of harsh austerity measures.
TEXT: Vladimir Putin's maiden speech to parliament
reaffirmed his reputation as a man of few words and
fierce determination. In a blunt assessment of the
state of the nation, the 46-year-old former head of
Russia's main domestic intelligence agency said his
primary task would be to bring order to what many
describe as a lawless society.
/// PUTIN ACT ONE - IN RUSSIAN - FADE
UNDER ///
He says -- none of the tasks ahead can be achieved
without instilling elementary order in the country.
Saying stability is also critical, he added that most
cabinet members would remain in their posts. And he
said despite worrying signs in the economy, he would
push ahead with free market reforms.
Mr. Putin told lawmakers his other objectives include
ensuring fair and timely parliamentary and
presidential elections, and reviving and maintaining
Russia's armed forces. He placed special emphasis on
the drive against Muslim rebels in the northern
Caucasus.
/// PUTIN ACT TWO - IN RUSSIAN - FADE
UNDER ///
He says -- Russia's territorial integrity is not a
question for discussion, much less the object of
bargain or blackmail. He says -- we will act toughly
and use every legal method against anyone who
encroaches on our integrity.
In their comments to the house, leaders of
parliamentary factions expressed general approval with
Mr. Putin's platform. But the final tally was just a
few votes more than the simple majority of 226 needed
for confirmation.
Analysts say the margin would likely have been larger,
but the vote came in the middle of the August holiday
season, and more than 100 members were not present for
the balloting. (SIGNED)
NEB/PCF/JWH/RAE
16-Aug-1999 11:41 AM LOC (16-Aug-1999 1541 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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