> another Russian region." Lukashenko left in a huff.
Yes Chris, but it's in the "on again" phase. Putin was in Minsk Sunday and Monday and issued a statement about a "single economic space" (which must be what DoreneC is referring to), an agreement to introduce the Russian ruble as the common currency in January 2005 ... if agreement can be reached in negotiations this spring (an "agreement to agree"), and what looks like a more real agreement on a Russian/Belarus JV on gas transport. So this week it's not "on hold" but more like slow motion...
Here's the Interfax story: <http://www.interfax.ru/one_news_en.html?lang=EN&tz=0&tz_format=MSK&id_news= 5615885>
john mage --- Thanks John. Hadn't heard. Hope this doesn't result in shock therapy for Belarus.