(8 Dec 2000) Russian/Nat
The Russian State Duma is to begin discussions on a bill that President Vladimir Putin sent to the lower house earlier this week requesting that Russia's national flag, anthem and symbol finally be enshrined in law.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Soviet anthem was unofficially exchanged for a 19th century melody, while the pre-revolution tricolour replaced the characteristic red banner.
The bill retains the white, red and blue flag, but suggests the tune of the Soviet anthem, with a slight change of phrasing to eliminate the hymn's tribute to Lenin and Stalin.
The two-headed eagle, the symbol of tsarist Russia, is being suggested as Russia's official symbol.
Revered artifacts from the glory days of communism have become relics of a bygone era and are being sold to tourists at outdoor markets as souvenirs.
In 1999, the Duma passed a law reinstating the Soviet anthem but with different words.
The traditional hymn praises both Lenin and Stalin.
In the bill, to be discussed in the Duma on Friday, Putin suggests that the two-headed eagle - the suggested symbol of Russia - be mentioned in the anthem instead of the Soviet leaders.
The issue of the anthem is a controversial one.
Some Russians prefer the nostalgia of the old-style hymn, others feel that the tribute written by 19th century composer Mikhail Glinka will suit the majority of Russians.
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"We grew up on it and, for instance, when on television they say that even (the famous ballerina) (Maya) Plesetskaya doesn't stand when she hears the anthem, it surprises me because she became what she is during the Soviet era. The words could even be changed, but I am all for the old anthem."
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SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"I think that there are many bad memories associated with the Soviet hymn among people. The hymn written by Glinka seems to be the ideal choice."
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop
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