§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What, if any, are the limits to the "support" they are prepared to give President Yeltsin "in his hour of need" (HL Deb, 22 November, col 31), how "his hour of need" is defined, and whether their support will cover possible show trials of Chairman Khasbulatov and of Vice-President Rutskoy.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have consistently supported the process of democratic and economic reform in Russia. This is what President Yeltsin has been striving for and we have supported his efforts. At the time of the armed insurrection in124WA Moscow, and subsequently, we stressed the importance of a peaceful and democratic process and the continuation of reform. The elections to a bicameral Parliament and referendum on a new constitution which have just taken place are very important steps in this process.
The trial of the leaders of the armed insurrection is a matter for the Russian courts.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will spell out the reasons for which they consider "President Yeltsin's victory at the White House" in October 1993 to have been "a victory for the cause of … democratic reform in Russia" (Official Report, 22 November, col 31).
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyThe increasingly hardline forces in the former Supreme Soviet consistently blocked the process of democratic and economic reform in Russia. President Yeltsin's decision to dissolve Parliament and the subsequent quelling of the armed insurrection by rebel forces in the White House was accompanied by a call for fresh elections to a new style Parliament and for the Russian people to decide for themselves whether to adopt a new constitution. This was the democratic path and the Russian people had an opportunity to express their views in free elections and in a referendum on 12 December.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What advice on financial contributions to political parties they have proffered to President Yeltsin, and in particular with regard to large donations from commercial concerns.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have not offered President Yeltsin any advice on financial contributions to political parties; nor have we been asked to do so.