Moscow - President Yeltsin locked horns with Russia's opposition-dominated parliament yesterday in a growing battle over reforms and took a swipe at the US over its big role in Europe. Mr Yeltsin (66), making a show of force in efforts to prove he is back in control after heart problems, also faced a tense stand-off with Belarus after President Alexander Lukashenko was refused permission to visit Russia on Thursday.
Mr Yeltsin took the Duma to task in a radio address, making a veiled threat to consider dissolving the chamber if it did not step into line and pass important economic reform laws. "Judging by the mood of the Duma, we are faced with a new round of confrontation between the Duma and the executive," Mr Yeltsin said.