
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, December 25, 1993                   TAG: 9312250075
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: HOLIDAY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: MOSCOW                                LENGTH: Short

NEW CONSTITUTION IN EFFECT IN RUSSIA

Russia's new constitution granting President Boris Yeltsin sweeping powers took effect Friday when state-run news media began publishing the official text.

The country's first post-Soviet charter was approved in a nationwide referendum Dec. 12. The ballot was conducted along with parliamentary elections in which an ultranationalist party was the top vote-getter.

Yeltsin campaigned strongly for the constitution, which gives him an edge in power over the new parliament, which is expected to be dominated by opponents of the president's economic reforms.

The new charter gives Yeltsin authority to dissolve the parliament and call early elections.

Leaders of the eight parties and blocs represented in parliament, along with some regional deputies, met Friday to determine their agenda when they convene Jan. 11. - Associated Press

by CNB