2004-9-17
This is Steve Ember with In the News in VOA Special English.
This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a plan for
changes in the political system in Russia. The measures would
increase the powers of the central government. Mister Putin said the
proposals are needed to improve security. He said those responsible
for terrorist acts seek to ruin Russia.
Earlier this month, more than three hundred people were killed at
Middle School Number One in the southern town of Beslan. Half were
children. The hostage crisis followed bombings on two Russian
airplanes and near an underground train station in Moscow.
One-hundred people were killed in those attacks.
A Chechen rebel leader, Shamil Basayev, reportedly claimed
responsibility for all the attacks in a letter Friday on a Web site.
The letter threatened more violence and urged Russia to recognize
independence for Chechnya. In Moscow, President Putin said Friday
that Russia is preparing what he called pre-emptive action against
terrorists. He said it would follow Russian and international law.
Mister Putin announced the proposed changes Monday. He said
Russia needs a single anti-terrorism agency that is able not only to
deal with attacks but also to work to prevent them. He said the new
agency should have the power to destroy criminals in their hideouts
and, if necessary, in other countries.
Mister Putin also called for changes in the rules for electing
parliament. His plan would end local elections that now fill half of
the four hundred fifty seats in the lower house, the Duma. Instead,
all members would be elected from party lists chosen by Russia's
main national parties. The changes must be approved by the Duma,
which is controlled by supporters of Mister Putin.
Also, the Russian leader called for local governors to be
nominated by the president and approved by local parliaments. In
recent years, the eighty-nine governors have been elected directly
by the people.
Critics say the changes would violate Russia's Constitution. Some
say they do not believe the moves will really help fight terrorism.
They say the government is using the recent attacks as a chance to
expand its power. Mister Putin faces little organized opposition.
For ten years, Russian troops have attempted to crush the
independence movement for Chechnya and its mostly Muslim population.
Russian officials say there is evidence that international
terrorists are involved.
The United States says it supports a political solution to the
Chechen conflict. It also says it supports Russia in its struggle
against terrorism. But American officials say they are concerned
that the changes will harm democracy in Russia.
In the News, in VOA Special English, was written by Cynthia Kirk.
This is Steve Ember.