Another is whether the republics will agree to shoulder the central Government's debt.

If the republics cannot agree on common policies, should the national economy, like the union itself, be chopped up into pieces?

The republics have agreed to keep all long-range nuclear weapons under a single control.

"The two republics cannot agree on even one action together," Tass said.

That the three republics have agreed not to erect trade barriers against each other is essential.

"Even without a formal treaty under which the Republic agrees to resign sovereignty?"

In 1995 the Republic of Macedonia agreed to change its flag.

If all else fails, the republics would agree to more stringent measures, including a wage freeze.

So far, eight and possibly nine republics have agreed in meetings with the industrial nations' representatives to shoulder their share of the Soviet debt.

All four republics agreed to accept those technicians.