Primakov Asks European Union for Assistance
Prime Minister Yevgeny M. Primakov marked his first month in office Friday still struggling to compile an anti-crisis economic plan for Russia and reduced to asking the European Union for help.
Primakov met visiting European Commission President Jacques Santer to brief him on woes that include unpaid wages, falling output and debts to foreign banks.
“There has been a request for humanitarian aid but there are no details yet,” commission spokeswoman Martine Reicherts said.
Primakov has said he wants to keep market reforms on track but with greater emphasis on social welfare.
Deputy Premier Vadim Gustov told the newspaper Izvestia that Russia needs an emergency plan and a longer-term economic strategy, but he was optimistic.
“By the end of 1999 the Russian economy will start recovering,” Gustov said.
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