§ 39. Mr. ThomasonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's view on the progress of reform in Russia and the impact on United Kingdom policy.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe largest democratic consultation in the history of Russia took place on 12 December, involving multi-party elections and a referendum on a new constitution. It demonstrates how far democratic reform has progressed in post-Soviet Russia. We welcome the adoption by the Russian people of a constitution which provides for democracy and human rights. This process will further strengthen our bilateral relations.