DATE=1/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / POLITICS (L)
NUMBER=2-258421
BYLINE=EVE CONANT
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russia's Acting President Vladimir Putin
has hosted his first summit of leaders from the
Commonwealth of Independent States (C-I-S) - a
loose coalition of 12 former Soviet republics. V-
O-A Moscow correspondent Eve Conant reports Mr.
Putin has been elected to lead the Council - a
move that confirms Russia's leadership role in
the body and further boosts Mr. Putin's chances
in coming presidential elections.
TEXT: Presidents of the Commonwealth of
Independent States agreed that the threat of
terrorism and the need to fight insurgency and
extremism are among their top concerns. Leading
security officials also attended the meeting -
the first summit to be hosted by Acting President
Vladimir Putin.
The C-I-S leaders elected Mr. Putin as their
chairman to replace former President Boris
Yeltsin without waiting for the outcome of the
March presidential elections. Analysts say the
move could further boost Mr. Putin's chances to
win the presidency by showing how former
republics respect Mr. Putin's leadership.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov was one of several
leaders who expressed their admiration for Mr.
Putin.
/// Act Karimov in Russian in full
and fade under ///
He says, by supporting Mr. Putin as the head of
the C-I-S, we are showing who we would like to
see as the next President of Russia.
Acting President Putin said Kazakhstan and
Uzbekistan had proposed an international security
program to fight terrorism in the former Soviet
regions.
/// First Putin act in Russian in full
and fade under///
He says, there seems to be an illusion that
terrorism can actively develop in the weak spots
of the former Soviet territories. But he says, we
won't let terrorists do that. We will work
together energetically and decisively.
Mr. Putin also met separately with the presidents
of Caucasus nations Azerbaijan, Armenia, and
Georgia to discuss security concerns and the
fighting in Chechnya. Russia's media has started
to cast doubt on official casualty reports, which
could undermine popular support for the war and
for Mr. Putin.
Analysts say backing for the Chechnya offensive
from C-I-S leaders is crucial for Moscow and
would help Mr. Putin deflect western criticism of
the campaign.
/// REST OPT ///
Despite being elected as the C-I-S leader, Acting
President Putin tried to downplay historical
fears that Russia would try to play an
overbearing role in the council.
/// Second Putin act in Russian in
full and fade under///
He says, cooperation with C-I-S countries has
always been and will remain a priority for
Russia.
The C-I-S, created after the breakup of the
Soviet Union in 1991, was formed to promote
military, economic, and political ties between
former Soviet republics. It has failed to serve
as a unifying body largely because of economic
differences and a fear that Moscow would try to
dominate proceedings. (Signed)
NEB/EC/GE/gm
25-Jan-2000 13:02 PM EDT (25-Jan-2000 1802 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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