NEW DEAL FOR THE SOVIET REPUBLICS

Here is a look at the proposed new union of Soviet republics that was put forward Monday at the Congress of People’s Deputies.

“The situation that emerged in the country after the putsch . . . could bring unpredictable consequences inside the country and in relations with foreign states. . . .

These measures will prevent further collapse of structures of power. . . .”

--From joint statement by President Gorbachev and 10 Soviet republics

THE OLD PLAN

Monday’s proposal replaces the Union Treaty, which President Gorbachev was finalizing when the rightist coup began Aug. 19. It would have let the central government retain many powers. Among them:

* Exclusive control over armed forces and protecting borders.

* Issuance of sole currency and control of gold and diamond resources.

* Shared power with republics to levy taxes.

* Shared power with republics to determine military and foreign policy.

* Shared power with republics to work out common policies on economy, fuel and energy resources.

Who is participating

WHO IS PARTICIPATING: Russian Federation, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kirgizia, Turkmenistan, Tadzhikistan.

WHO IS NOT: Three Baltic republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia plus Moldava. Apparently, they would be invited to cooperate economically but could elect not to.

GEORGIA: This republic participated as an observer only.

THE NEW PLAN

PURPOSE

* To prevent the further disintegration of the national power structure by providing an interim governing arrangement.

POWERS OF THE REPUBLICS

* Republics would be permitted to state under what conditions they will join the union.

* All would be invited to take part in the economic union.

* The Congress of People’s Deputies is asked to appeal to the United Nations to recognize the republics as subjects of international law and consider separate memberships for each.

DEFENSE AND FOREIGN POLICY

* Negotiators would try to conclude an agreement on collective security.

* The goal is to maintain a united army while radically reforming the army, the KGB security agency and Interior Ministry forces.

* The republics would agree to abide by all international agreements reached by the Soviet Union.

NEW GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES

Council of Representatives of People’s Deputies

* Membership: Formed on the principle of equal representation from union republics. Twenty people’s deputies delegated by each republic’s legislature.

* Purpose: Decide upon matters of general principle.

State Council

* Membership: Soviet president and top state officials of the republics.

* Purpose: Coordinate foreign and internal issues that concern common republican interests.

Interim Inter-Republican Economic Committee

* Membership: Representatives drawn from all the republics on parity basis.

* Purpose: Coordinate management of the economy and economic reform.

NEXT STEP:

A draft Soviet constitution, when ready, would be considered and approved by the republics’ legislatures and finally approved at a congress of representatives of union republics. This would establish a permanent government structure.