DATE=1/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / POLITICS (L)
NUMBER=2-258166
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russia's newly elected parliament opened
for its first session Tuesday. In an address to
the assembly, Acting President Vladimir Putin
urged lawmakers to cooperate and to end years of
confrontation with the Kremlin. V-O-A Moscow
correspondent Eve Conant reports.
TEXT: Russia's new parliament began its first
session with an address by Acting President
Vladimir Putin. Mr. Putin urged lawmakers to
enact economic reforms and end its history of
bitter disputes with government leaders.
///ACT PUTIN IN RUSSIAN IN FULL AND FADE UNDER///
He says, "There is much to accomplish. We must
put an end to the policy of confrontation and
ambitions."
The previous parliament had been dominated by
Russia's Communist Party and had blocked many
Kremlin and international initiatives, including
land reform and arms reduction treaties.
But the new parliament is dominated by parties
that have pledged at least partial support to
Acting President Putin and his present Kremlin
administration. Lawmakers are expected to enact
more pro-market reforms and work more closely
with the government.
Acting President Putin, a favorite to win in
coming presidential elections, told reporters
after his speech there would be no possibility of
what he described as a dictatorship emerging in
Russia.
///ACT PUTIN IN RUSSIAN IN FULL AND FADE UNDER///
He says, "First of all, I have not yet come to
power as president. Those who are talking about
some type of dictatorship forming are themselves
dreaming of it," he says. "Their dream is
impossible in modern Russia."
One of the first tasks on the parliament's agenda
is to elect a new speaker of the house. The
Communist party is trying to retain control of
the powerful post. (Signed)
NEB/EC/GE/KL
18-Jan-2000 07:46 AM EDT (18-Jan-2000 1246 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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