MOSCOW, July 28 (Interfax) - President Boris Yeltsin has instructed government and administration representatives to meet the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church to discuss ways of reworking the controversial bill, "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations," reliable sources in the Kremlin told Interfax.

Last week Yeltsin vetoed the bill approved by the Federal Assembly, saying some of its provisions contradicted the constitution.

Kremlin sources say Yeltsin is determined to sign a law blocking the penetration of Russia by totalitarian sects and religious organizations. He also thinks it necessary to guarantee conditions for the psychological health of the nation and support traditional religious associations.

Yeltsin has said he also supports a religion law the final version of which must take into account the opinion of the key religious communities, the biggest of which is the Russian Orthodox Church.

Kremlin sources believe active consultations may begin this week between government and administration representatives and the leaders of key religious communities to work out a compromise version of the bill.

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Johnson's Russia List

#1092

28 July 1997

djohnson@cdi.org