§ 13. Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of political stability in Russia; and what evidence there is of military and security commanders acting without political authorisation.
§ Mr. HurdThe prospects for political stability in Russia are now better than for some time. The Russian people will be able next month to vote in elections to a new Parliament and to express their views on a new Constitution. The Russian military and security services have, for the most part, remained politically neutral. In bringing an end to the confrontation with Parliament, President Yeltsin had the backing of the Ministers of Defence and Security.
§ 27. Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to ensure the development of an open and full democracy in Russia.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have made clear to President Yeltsin and members of the Russian Government on many occasions our full support for the process of economic and democratic reform in Russia. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised this most recently with the Russian Foreign Minister during his visit to the United Kingdom on 26 October. The Russian people will go to the polls on 12 December to elect deputies to a new two-chamber Parliament and to vote on the adoption of a new constitution. This is a very real step forward in terms of building a democratic society based on the rule of law, to which President Yeltsin is committed. International observers have been invited to ensure the elections are free and fair. The United Kingdom will take part in this.