NEWSBRIEFS (04/21/96)

NEWSBRIEFS

Belarus poll shows support for union

MIENSK - A majority of local residents voiced varying degrees of support for the recently concluded treaty on creation of a Union of Sovereign Republics, Belapan reported on April 15. The poll, conducted by the Zerkadlo sociological service, surveyed 300 people. Of these, 47 percent said they completely supported the community's formation; 16 percent voiced partial support; 17 percent were in complete opposition; and a further 20 percent found the question too difficult to answer. When asked about the effect the community would have on Belarus' sovereignty, 30 percent responded it would be strengthened; 28 percent said it would be lost; 16 percent felt it would make no difference; and 26 percent said they did not know. (OMRI Daily Digest)

Belarus Parliament factions split on treaty

MIENSK - Three of the five Bela-rusian parliamentary factions - the Com-munists, the Agrarians and the pro-presidential Accord group - have approved the Russian-Belarusian integration treaty, Bela-rusian Television reported on April 10. The three factions voiced support for Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's policies and urged the Parliament's speedy ratification of the treaty. The two other parliamentary factions - the Social Democrats and Civic Action - are unlikely to be as supportive, since their leaderships have criticized Mr. Lukashenka's pro-Russian policies. In related news, the executive committee of the Russian-Belarusian Community met for the first time in Moscow on April 11. Among the first directives issued by the group, chaired by Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, were the granting of equal rights to education and medical care of citizens of both states on the other's territory. (OMRI Daily Digest).

Indonesia may be Ukraine's launch pad

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma and Indonesian President Suharto have discussed the possibility of Ukraine launching a communications satellite from an Indonesian site, Agence France Presse reported on April 11. The satellite would help resolve Indonesia's communications problems among its thousands of islands. Mr. Kuchma told Mr. Suharto that Ukraine could launch the satellite with its rockets, but would be unable to finance the project owing to its economic difficulties. Mr. Kuchma is in Indonesia to try to increase trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the Far East. (OMRI Daily Digest)

March inflation rate hits new low

KYIV - The monthly inflation rate in Ukraine for March was 3 percent, said the Ministry of Statistics in a report released on April 12. This is the lowest figure since the beginning of the year and one of the lowest in recent months. (Respublika)

Fourteenth certificate auction sets record

ZAPORIZHZHIA - More than 60,000 privatization certificates were invested into local industry by private citizens and financial institutions during the recently held privatization auction, reported the oblast's center for certificate auctions on April 12. This is the largest number of certificates invested at a single auction here. For the first time ever, long lines formed at the center's doors, primarily due to the initial share offerings of two local industrial giants, Zaporozhtransformator and AvtoZAZ, the car manufacturer. However, interest in the first firm far outpaced that in the second, as some 55,000 shares of Zaporozhtransfor-mator were purchased through certificate exchange, with AvtoZAZ a distant second at 2,000 shares purchased. (Respublika)

Japan marks Chornobyl anniversary

TOKYO - On April 12 Konika Plaza became the site of "Chornobyl and Nuclear Contamination on Earth," a photo exhibit by Japanese photojournalist Hirokawa, head of the Japanese Fund for Aid to Children of Chornobyl. Mr. Hirokawa has traveled many times to Ukraine, and his foundation directs humanitarian aid to young victims of Chornobyl, who are sent for treatment to Germany. That same day the children's ensemble Chervona Kalyna started its tour of Japan. The dance troupe's members are children relocated from Prypiat, Ukraine. At a press conference held at the group's arrival, Ukraine's Ambas-sador to Japan Mykhailo Dashkevych said Japan should increase Chornobyl-related aid to Ukraine. (Respublika)

Duma against Zatulin's ban from Ukraine

KYIV - The Russian State Duma protested Ukraine's decision to bar entry to former Duma Deputy Konstantin Zatulin, local media reported on April 15. Several weeks ago, Mr. Zatulin took an active part in a conference held here by the Civic Congress of Ukraine, an organization that seeks the restoration of the Soviet Union. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Hennadiy Udovenko characterized Mr. Zatulin's activities while in Ukraine on previous occasions as "not conforming with Ukrainian national interests" and as anti-Ukrainian. Mr. Zatulin formerly chaired the Duma's Committee on Foreign and CIS Affairs. (Respublika)

| Home Page |