(27 Mar 1999) Russian/Nat
The lower house of Russia's parliament, the Duma, was expected to endorse a resolution expressing outrage at NATO airstrikes against Yugoslavia on Saturday.
The Russian President, Boris Yeltsin, has already denounced the bombings, and promised humanitarian aid to Yugoslavia.
Meanwhile, Serb sympathisers staged a third day of protests outside the American and British embassies in Moscow.
SUGGESTED VOICE-OVER:
NATO's attacks on Yugoslavia have brought relations between Russia and the West to their lowest level since the end of the Cold War.
There is a strong feeling of public outrage at the NATO bombing campaign.
On Saturday around three thousand protesters gathered outside the U-S embassy to voice their concern.
The embassy is starting to show the signs of three days of protests, paint spatters cover the outside of the building.
The Russians are traditional allies of the Serbs.
[SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We are here to protest against the bombing raids against our friends, so that people can live in peace. I'm so emotional, I can't say any more."
SUPER CAPTION: Tatyana Maximova, Moscow Resident]
Communist party boss Gennady Zyuganov addressed the crowd, branding Russian President Boris Yeltsin a traitor.
[UPSOUND: (Russian)
"The main reason that bombs explode in the Balkans, in fraternal Yugoslavia, is in the Kremlin. Yeltsin together with Gorbachev betrayed us all. Shame on traitors, shame on traitors."]
But in its weakened state, Russia is in no real position to directly confront the West despite the collective anger over the strikes.
Moscow also needs Western aid to revive its shattered economy.
Many speakers called for a boycott of Western goods, but Zyuganov, addressing foreign journalists after the rally, said the crisis should not disrupt relations.
[SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"As to trade and business ties, we should do everything possible so that diplomacy, commerce and normal cultural relations triumph over the war and violence unleased by NATO."
SUPER CAPTION: Gennady Zyuganov, Head of Communist Party]
Saturday's vote in the Duma is expected to be largely symbolic.
But some Russian politicians have proposed breaking an international arms embargo against Yugoslavia and supplying it with arms, something which would damage relations with the West still further.
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