U.S.--Russian Relations : A Road Map to the Summit

With weighty potential topics like superpower relations, nuclear disarmament and U.S. aid possibly exceeding $1 billion, this weekend’s summit between Russian President Boris N. Yeltsin and President Clinton might seem daunting. But here’s a guide:

BORIS WATCH: Is he in control?

Americans watching the summit may want to keep an eye on how Yeltsin does on these points: The Assurance: Can Yeltsin convince Clinton that he is still in control in Russia and that, personally, he is not an alcoholic with a bad heart but a reliable partner? Can he convince the West that money now poured into Russia by the West will not vanish into a rat hole or into Zurich banks?

The Boost: Does Yeltsin get the big show of U.S. support for his leadership? This is vital as he heads into an April 25 referendum asking Russians whether they approve of him and his government.

The National Score: Can Yeltsin pacify nationalists at home by ensuring that the West makes needed, loud tributes to Russia as an important member of the world community whose interests must be respected?

The Assist: Can Yeltsin win a moratorium from the West on repayment of Russian and Soviet debt--and fast aid that will have an immediate payoff for ordinary Russians? Can he persuade the West to give its aid with less stringent conditions than some now suggest, such as the insistence that Moscow first tighten its credit and money supply?

The Opportunities: Can the summit give Russia a breakthrough to Western markets for high-tech wares and services like satellite launches, arms and uranium fuel for nuclear power plants? Analysts say this would have an added benefit since it would help appease the former Soviet managerial class and Russia’s military-industrial complex.

BILL WATCH: How is his debut?

Americans watching the summit may want to keep an eye on how Clinton does on these points:

The Performance: This is Clinton’s first turn on the world stage as a foreign policy President. Does he look and sound like a world leader?

The Impact and Innovation: Clinton and aides have promised innovative, imaginative forms of aid for Russia that will improve the lives of ordinary Russians. Can the United States deliver?

The Sell to U.S. Taxpayers: Polls show a large majority of Americans don’t see any need for more aid to Russia. Clinton must do a major sales job.

The Sell to the Allies: Large-scale aid for Russia will require help from other rich countries in the Group of Seven: Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Britain and Canada. In particular, Japan must end its hedging on aid to Russia, and Germany must agree to allow Moscow to delay payment of billions of dollars of its debt. Can Clinton bring the allies along?

Male Bonding: They both come from poor, rural backgrounds; both won power with populist programs. But one is a policy wonk, the other anything but. How’s their chemistry?

City at a glance . . .

Population: 1.6 million, third-largest city in Canada.

Largest industry: Tourism, supporting more than 62,000 jobs.

Climate: Mildest in Canada, though rainy. Average temperatures range from 37 degrees in January to 64 in July and August.

Vancouver Vantage Points

1. Saturday summit site: University of British Columbia

2. Sunday summit site: Pan Pacific Hotel

3. Yeltsin hotel: Pan Pacific

4. Clinton hotel: The Hyatt Regency

5. The photo op: likely route if Clinton gets time for a jog

6. Photo op II: Yeltsin is expected to tour harbor grain-handling facilities

7. Media center: Canada Place

8. Cultural draw: Museum of Anthropology’s totem poles

The Schedule

The following is the official summit schedule.

SATURDAY

(Pacific Standard Time)

8:30 a.m. Yeltsin arrives at Vancouver International Airport.

9:10 a.m. Yeltsin and Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney meet at the University of British Columbia’s Norman MacKenzie House.

10:30 a.m. Clinton arrives at airport.

11:10 a.m. Clinton and Mulroney hold private meeting at University of British Columbia (UBC).

Noon Mulroney hosts luncheon for both presidents at UBC.

1:30 p.m. Clinton and Yeltsin begin first meeting, at Norman MacKenzie House.

6:15 p.m. Clinton and Yeltsin hold private dinner at Seasons in the Park restaurant, located in Queen Elizabeth Park.

SUNDAY

(Pacific Daylight Time)

10:40 a.m. Clinton and Yeltsin hold second meeting, at downtown Pan Pacific Hotel.

1:30 p.m. Summit concludes with joint news conference.

TV TIPS

A summary of the weekend’s agreements is expected at Sunday’s joint news conference. CNN plans live coverage. A C-SPAN hot line will offer updates of events during the weekend: (202) 628-2205. The networks will base their evening newscasts in Vancouver but have not scheduled other coverage.

Sources: Times staff, Tourism Vancouver, Reuters