What’s Facing the Soviet Union

Here’s a look at some of the Soviet Union’s domestic and international problems, exacerbated by the ouster of President Mikhail S. Gorbachev:

The Home Front:

Baltics: A Soviet military official said he has assumed control of the secessionist republics of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The military reportedly moved on Estonia and Lithuania.

Russia: The Russian Federation, the nation’s largest republic, wants self-determination. Its president, Boris N. Yeltsin, urged Russians to strike to win reinstatement of Gorbachev.

Ethnic Unrest: Violence continues to flare in Armenia, Azerbaijan and other southern regions. Fighting between Christian Armenians and Muslim Azerbaijanis grew into clashes with troops last year.

Union Treaty: Gorbachev had been working on a treaty, to be signed today, to help keep the nation together. Georgia and Moldova, was well as the Baltics, reject it for independence.

On the Global Stage:

Economy: Gorbachev had pledged to create a Western-style market economy. But reform plans were repeatedly delayed; meanwhile, the economy deteriorated.

Aid: Billions of dollars of aid and credits promised to the Soviet Union by Western industrialized countries and Japan are in jeapordy. European foreign ministers will meet in emergency session at The Hague today to discuss the Soviet crisis.

Trade: Most-favored-nation trade status for the Soviet Union, approved by President Bush, is probably on hold.

Arms Control: In July, Bush and Gorbachev signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to reduce nuclear arsenals. Bush has indicated he still favors ratification; leaders of the U.S. Congress say they will resist.

Travel: The U.S. State Department recommends that U.S. citizens defer travel to the Soviet Union. Americans there should consider leaving the country as soon as they can do so safely.

Source: Times Wire Serices