Yeltsin holds out over Nato

The Kremlin is prepared to discuss relations with Nato but remains firmly opposed to the alliance's plans to expand eastwards, President Boris Yeltsin's spokesman said yesterday.

The comments by Sergei Yastrzembsky dampened the optimism expressed by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl after weekend talks with Mr Yeltsin. Mr Kohl is the first Western leader to see Mr Yeltsin since his heart operation. Reuters - Moscow