"We will follow a precise, calm, prudent policy ... " That was what Boris Yeltsin had to say when asked whether there will be any changes in Russia's relations with the United States in the wake of the failure of the Democratic Party in last month's Congressional elections. He also added that the Russian leadership would not allow Democrats to feel that Moscow was turning its back on them after their defeat.


Of course, precision and prudence are good qualities in any policy. And it is true that in recent times we have not seen any particular precision in Russia's policy toward the United States. At first, the Yeltsin-Kozyrev line consisted of nothing more than simply agreeing with the Clinton administration on everything, even when no one was really asking for Moscow's agreement. Then, Moscow made nearly a 180 degree turn, striking up disputes with the United States over NATO, the CSCE and issues like Bosnia and Iraq. In short, what we have seen so far is something like shooting from the hip. Yeltsin is right: Some prudence here wouldn't hurt.


It is hard to understand, though, what kept the Russian government from pursuing such a line before the Republican victory. During that time, Moscow placed all its bets on its contacts with the Clinton administration, almost demonstratively refusing to give the Republicans the attention they deserve.


Of course, the unforgiving Republicans certainly noticed this. They have not forgotten Yeltsin's refusal to receive the late President Richard Nixon after he had -- horror of horrors! -- held talks with figures from Russia's radical opposition. They have not forgotten that Yeltsin did not deign to meet with Republican leaders during his September visit to the United States.


All this is small change, of course, but it may well form the emotional background for some serious actions. Considering that the Republicans now control all the most important committees in Washington, Moscow may soon feel the consequences of its earlier, none too precise policies.


It seems appropriate here to recall the American proverb that says that you should not put all your eggs in one basket for fear that it will be upset and you will be left with nothing at all.


Moskovskiye Novosti, Dec. 7





Average Earnings


According to statistics released in Lithuania, the average citizen of that republic earned $97 in October, which is roughly equal to the amount the average American earns in a day. The situation in the other Baltic States is a little better: In Estonia, the average is $108, and in Latvia it is $140. The eastern neighbors of these countries are faring far worse. Ukrainians make $24 a month and Belorussians earn $20 on average. The average Russian earns $106 per month, reported the official Lithuanian news agency.


Izvestia, Dec. 7