Yeltsin declares 'special rule'

(First Edition)

PRESIDENT Boris Yeltsin yesterday declared 'special rule' in Russia pending a referendum vote of confidence in his presidency on 25 April.

On the same day Russians would vote on a new constitution which would provide for a parliament, re- elected under new electoral laws, but would abolish the existing supreme legislature, the Congress of People's Deputies. Mr Yeltsin said the new constitution would come into force if he won the referendum. He also said he had ordered the armed forces not to interfere in the politcal process. His move was in response to attacks on his powers by the conservative Congress.