The nation's top clergy expressed fears of unrest, praying publicly before Russia's holiest icon for divine protection against "misfortunes, sorrows and internecine war."
Yeltsin conferred with top aides at his country home amid growing speculation that he may choose a compromise candidate to stave off a showdown with the Communist-dominated lower house of parliament, the State Duma.
Up to now, Yeltsin had insisted that acting Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin was his only choice, but the Duma on Monday rejected Chernomyrdin for a second time. Yeltsin, who is known for trampling over his political opponents, has compromised before in the face of
popular anger, which has been building rapidly.
The president has one more chance to win parliamentary approval for his prime ministerial pick. If the Duma refuses to confirm the candidate, Yeltsin must dissolve the legislature and call parliamentary elections within three months.
A top Taliban official, Abdul Sattar Paktis, speaks of the man accused of masterminding bombings at U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania as an old friend and honored guest.
"He is our guest and we will never force him out," he said in an interview Monday.
09-09-98
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