<i> A look at noteworthy addresses in the Southland.</i>

The Russian ambassador to the United States, Vladimir Peter Lukin, spoke to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council last Friday. From his address: A Look at History “Democratization of our country is very difficult. . . . (However) it is incorrect to say that we have no democratic tradition. Actually, we have one and it is a long tradition of opposing authoritarianism (that predates) . . . the October Revolution (1917). . . . Every attempt to develop our democracy until now (has been) unsuccessful. . . . We have no more time. And maybe we proved that the Russian democratic movement now is serious. We proved that in August. . . . We have our own parliament, (to which) I belong. This parliament is imperfect, this parliament was elected two years ago and there are some substantial reactionary ‘Red’ forces there. Forces that try to break our democratic process. But this is a real parliament. . . . You developed your parliamentarianism more than 200 years ago. I solemnly swear to you that our parliament in 200 years will be as perfect as your parliament.”

Yeltsin’s Options “(Yeltsin) is an authentic politician. He should maneuver between two very powerful dangers. One is to act dogmatically, implementing the IMF and other prescriptions--not (being) too concerned with Russian realities and try to do everything 100% correctly from the point of view of the theory. It would cost him heavily because it produces the unacceptable social consequences. . . . But I am sure that he is very firm in continuing maneuvering. You know that when the wind is blowing against the yacht, it should maneuver somehow. So with all this maneuvering, we are sure to keep up with economic reforms.”

Looking Ahead * Saturday: Prof. Richard Drobnick, director of the USC International Business Education and Research Program, will speak at a workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the New Otani hotel on “The Changing World Economy: Implications for the Pacific Rim.” Call (213) 687-0677.

* Sunday: Novelist Alejandro Morales will discuss the historical background of Mexican and Anglo-American social and political conflict at 3 p.m. at the Black and Latino Multicultural Book Center in Pasadena. Call (818) 792-0117.

Announcements concerning prominent speakers in Los Angeles should be sent to Speaking Up, c/o Times researcher Michael Meyers, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053