Parliament also voted to create a commission to work out differences on controversial sections of the law, which Kuchma told deputies last week was vital to carry out badly needed economic reforms.
The presidential administration expressed relief that initial approval had come without overt political confrontation. A power struggle between Russia's president and parliament in October 1993 ended in bloody conflict.
"The process of a civilized division of power has begun. This is a big show of goodwill by parliament and president, and of the desire for constructive cooperation," Dmytro Tabachnyk, head of Kuchma's administration, said after the vote.
Kuchma has warned he will call a national referendum on the law if parliament fails to approve it.
But most deputies, including lawmakers who support market reforms, said it was doubtful that the required two-thirds of parliament would give final approval to the law as it stands.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.