Moscow, 14 July 2000 (RFE/RL) - Talks between Russia's regional
leaders and the lower house of parliament collapsed today. The joint committee was seeking compromise with the governors on a
legislative package put forward by President Vladimir Putin.
The legislation would strip the governors of their parliamentary seats in the Federation Council, make them subject to criminal investigation and give Putin the power to sack them if a court says they broke the law.
The Duma has already passed the bills with majorities large enough to override the veto by the Federation Council.
The legislation would strip the governors of their parliamentary seats in the Federation Council, make them subject to criminal investigation and give Putin the power to sack them if a court says they broke the law.
The Duma has already passed the bills with majorities large enough to override the veto by the Federation Council.