(26 Dec 1997) Russian/Nat
Russian President Boris Yeltsin on Friday reached a tentative compromise with opposition leaders on the controversial issue of private land ownership.
After a long stand-off, he met parliament leaders and the lawmakers, including communists, agreed to form a working group to revise the restrictive legislation.
They also consented to give up their ban on private ownership of agricultural land after Yeltsin conceded the need for strict state control.
Delegates began arriving early for the meeting of the so-called Round Table in the Kremlin's ornate St Catherine room.
Among those in attendance were Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, his First Deputy Anatoly Chubais and Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov.
On the agenda was the controversial issue of private land ownership.
Since the Soviet breakup, Russian citizens have been permitted to own land in urban areas, but agricultural plots remain largely in state hands.
Earlier this year, parliament's communist-dominated lower house, the State Duma, approved strict legislation that would keep farm land in state hands.
Yeltsin vetoed the measure.
But progress was made at Friday's meeting - the lawmakers, including communists, agreed to form a working group to revise the restrictive legislation.
They also agreed to give up their ban on private ownership of agricultural land after Yeltsin conceded the need for strict state control.
The president asked the working group to draft the revisions within three months, although the process may take longer even if it goes smoothly.
After an acceptable compromise is worked out, Yeltsin said he would sign the bill.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I think we can reach the right compromise and in that case I can tell you that three months from now I can sign the document."
SUPER CAPTION: Russian President Boris Yeltsin
Both sides agreed to ban the sale of agricultural land to foreigners and to introduce requirements that land may only be sold to people who prove their ability to cultivate it.
They also agreed that land must be used for farming for up to 15 years following a sale.
Many people are holding off on land purchases until the situation is completely resolved.
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