Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union

State Committee on the State of Emergency

COLLECTION OF PUBLISHED DOCUMENTS OF THE GKChP USSR (August 1991)

CONTENTS

18/19 AUGUST 1991

APPENDICES

20 AUGUST 1991

Decree of the Acting President of the USSR on Decrees of the President of the RSFSR Nos. 59, 61, 62 and 63 of 19 August 1991
Resolution No. 3 of the State Committee on the State of Emergency of the USSR
Communication of the State Committee on the State of Emergency of the USSR

APPENDIX

In the Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR

21 AUGUST 1991

APPENDICES

22 AUGUST 1991

APPENDICES

18/19 AUGUST 1991

DECREE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE USSR

In connection with the impossibility, for health reasons, of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev performing his duties as President of the USSR, on the basis of Article 1277 of the USSR Constitution, assumed the duties of President of the USSR from 19 August 1991.

Vice-President of the USSR G. I. YANAYEV.

18 August 1991

STATEMENT OF THE SOVIET LEADERSHIP

In connection with the impossibility, for health reasons, of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev performing the duties of President of the USSR and the transfer, in accordance with Article 1277 of the USSR Constitution, of the powers of the President of the Union of SSR to the Vice-President of the USSR, Gennady Ivanovich Yanayev;

in order to overcome the deep and all-encompassing crisis, political, interethnic and civil confrontation, chaos and anarchy that threaten the life and security of the citizens of the Soviet Union, the sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom and independence of our Fatherland;

proceeding from the results of the nationwide referendum on the preservation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;

guided by the vital interests of the peoples of our Motherland, of all Soviet people,

WE DECLARE:

1. In accordance with Article 1273 of the USSR Constitution and Article 2 of the USSR Law "On the Legal Regime of a State of Emergency," and meeting the demands of broad sections of the population regarding the need to take the most decisive measures to prevent society from sliding toward a nationwide catastrophe and to ensure law and order, to introduce a state of emergency in certain localities of the USSR for a period of 6 months from 4 a.m. Moscow time on August 19, 1991.

2. To establish that throughout the entire territory of the USSR the USSR Constitution and the laws of the Union of SSR have unconditional supremacy.

3. To govern the country and effectively implement the state of emergency regime, to form the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR (GKChP USSR) consisting of the following: Baklanov O. D. — first deputy chairman of the USSR Defense Council, Kryuchkov V. A. — chairman of the USSR KGB, Pavlov V. S. — prime minister of the USSR, Pugo B. K. — minister of internal affairs of the USSR, Starodubtsev V. A. —

chairman of the USSR Peasants' Union, Tizyakov A. I. — president of the Association of State Enterprises and Industrial, Construction, Transport and Communications Facilities of the USSR, Yazov D. T. — minister of defense of the USSR, Yanayev G. I. — acting President of the USSR.

4. To establish that the decisions of the GKChP USSR are binding for strict implementation by all bodies of power and administration, officials and citizens throughout the entire territory of the Union of SSR.

G. YANAYEV, V. PAVLOV,

O. BAKLANOV.

18 August 1991

APPEAL TO THE SOVIET PEOPLE

Compatriots! Citizens of the Soviet Union!

In this grave, critical hour for the fate of the Fatherland and our peoples, we turn to you! A mortal danger hangs over our great Motherland! The policy of reforms, initiated on the initiative of M. S. Gorbachev and conceived as a means of ensuring the dynamic development of the country and the democratization of public life, has for a number of reasons reached a dead end. The initial enthusiasm and hopes have been replaced by disbelief, apathy and despair. Power at all levels has lost the trust of the population. Political posturing has driven concern for the fate of the Fatherland and the citizen out of public life. Malicious mockery of all institutions of the state is being fostered. The country has essentially become ungovernable.

Taking advantage of the freedoms granted, trampling upon the newly emerged shoots of democracy, extremist forces have arisen that have set a course toward the liquidation of the Soviet Union, the disintegration of the state and the seizure of power at any cost. The results of the nationwide referendum on the unity of the Fatherland have been trampled underfoot. Cynical speculation on "national feelings" is merely a screen for the satisfaction of ambitions. Neither the present troubles of their peoples nor their tomorrow concern the political adventurers. Creating an atmosphere of moral and political terror and trying to hide behind the shield of popular trust, they forget that the ties they condemn and tear apart were established on the basis of far broader popular support, which has moreover passed a centuries-long test of history. Today those who are essentially leading the way to the overthrow of the constitutional order must answer before mothers and fathers for the death of many hundreds of victims of interethnic conflicts. On their conscience are the crippled fates of more than half a million refugees. Because of them, tens of millions of Soviet people, who only yesterday lived in a single family and today find themselves outcasts in their own home, have lost their peace and the joy of life.

What the social system should be must be decided by the people, and they are being deprived of this right.

Instead of caring for the security and well-being of every citizen and of society as a whole, often people in whose hands power has ended up use it in interests alien to the people, as a means of unprincipled self-assertion. Streams of words, mountains of statements and promises only emphasize the poverty and wretchedness of practical deeds. The inflation of power is more terrible than any other; it destroys our state and society. Every citizen feels a growing uncertainty about the future, a deep anxiety for the future of their children.

The crisis of power has had a catastrophic effect on the economy. The chaotic, spontaneous slide toward the market has caused an explosion of selfishness: regional, departmental, group and personal. The war of laws and the encouragement of centrifugal tendencies have resulted in the destruction of the single national economic mechanism that had taken decades to build. The result has been a sharp drop in the standard of living of the overwhelming majority of Soviet people and a flourishing of speculation and the shadow economy. It is long past time to tell people the truth: if urgent and decisive measures are not taken to stabilize the economy, then in the very near future famine and a new spiral of impoverishment are inevitable, from which it is one step to mass manifestations of spontaneous discontent with destructive consequences. Only irresponsible people can pin their hopes on some kind of help from abroad. No handouts will solve our problems; salvation is in our own hands. The time has come to measure the authority of every person or organization by their real contribution to the restoration and development of the national economy. For many years we have heard incantations from all sides about commitment to the interests of the individual, concern for their rights and social protection. In reality, however, the individual has been humiliated, deprived of real rights and opportunities, and driven to despair. Before our eyes, all the democratic institutions created by the people's will are losing weight and effectiveness. This is the result of the purposeful actions of those who, grossly trampling upon the Fundamental Law of the USSR, are in fact carrying out an anti-constitutional coup and reaching for unbridled personal dictatorship. Prefectures, city halls and other unlawful structures are increasingly replacing by arbitrary means the Soviets elected by the people.

An offensive is under way against the rights of working people. The rights to work, education, health care, housing and rest have been called into question.

Even the elementary personal security of people is increasingly under threat. Crime is growing rapidly, becoming organized and politicized. The country is sinking into an abyss of violence and lawlessness. Never in the history of the country has the propaganda of sex and violence, which endangers the health and life of future generations, reached such proportions. Millions of people demand measures against the octopus of crime and flagrant immorality.

The deepening destabilization of the political and economic situation in the Soviet Union is undermining our positions in the world. Here and there revanchist notes have been heard, and demands have been put forward to revise our borders. There are even voices speaking of the dismemberment of the Soviet Union and of the possibility of

the establishment of international trusteeship over individual objects and regions of the country. Such is the bitter reality: only yesterday a Soviet person who found himself abroad felt like a worthy citizen of an influential and respected state. Today he is often a second-class foreigner, treated with a stamp of disdain or sympathy.

The pride and honor of the Soviet person must be restored in full.

The State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR is fully aware of the depth of the crisis that has struck our country; it assumes responsibility for the fate of the Motherland and is determined to take the most serious measures to bring the state and society out of the crisis as quickly as possible.

We promise to conduct a broad nationwide discussion of the draft of the new Union Treaty. Everyone will have the right and the opportunity, in a calm atmosphere, to reflect on this most important act and to make up their mind about it. For the fate of the numerous peoples of our great Motherland will depend on what the Union becomes.

We intend to immediately restore legality and public order, put an end to bloodshed, declare a merciless war on the criminal world, and eradicate the shameful phenomena that discredit our society and humiliate Soviet citizens. We will cleanse the streets of our cities of criminal elements and put an end to the arbitrary rule of the plunderers of the people's wealth.

We stand for genuinely democratic processes, for a consistent policy of reform leading to the renewal of our Motherland, to its economic and social prosperity, which will enable it to take a worthy place in the world community of nations. The country's development must not be built on a decline in the living standards of the population. In a healthy society, a constant rise in the well-being of all citizens will become the norm.

Without weakening our concern for the strengthening and protection of individual rights, we will focus attention on protecting the interests of the broadest strata of the population, those who have been hit hardest by inflation, the disorganization of production, corruption and crime.

Developing the multi-sectoral character of the national economy, we will support private entrepreneurship as well, providing it with the necessary opportunities for the development of production and the service sector.

Our first priority will be to solve the food and housing problems. All available forces will be mobilized to satisfy these most urgent needs of the people.

We call on workers, peasants, the working intelligentsia, and all Soviet people to restore labor discipline and order in the shortest possible time and to raise the level of production, so as then to move resolutely forward. Our life and the future of our children and grandchildren, the fate of the Fatherland, depend on this.

We are a peace-loving country and will strictly observe all the obligations we have assumed. We have no claims against anyone. We want to live with everyone in peace and friendship, but we firmly declare that no one will ever be allowed to encroach on our sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Any attempts to speak to our country in the language of diktat, no matter from whom they come, will be resolutely suppressed.

Our multinational people have lived for centuries filled with pride for their Motherland; we were not ashamed of our patriotic feelings and consider it natural and legitimate to raise the present and future generations of citizens of our great power in this spirit.

To remain inactive at this hour, critical for the fate of the Fatherland, means taking upon oneself grave responsibility for tragic, truly unpredictable consequences. Everyone who holds our Motherland dear, who wants to live and work in an atmosphere of calm and confidence, who does not accept the continuation of bloody interethnic conflicts, who sees his Fatherland as independent and prosperous in the future, must make the only correct choice. We call on all true patriots, people of good will, to put an end to the present time of troubles.

We call on all citizens of the Soviet Union to recognize their duty to the Motherland and to give every support to the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR and to the efforts to bring the country out of the crisis.

Constructive proposals from socio-political organizations, labor collectives and citizens will be gratefully accepted as a manifestation of their patriotic readiness to take an active part in restoring the age-old friendship within the single family of fraternal peoples and in the revival of the Fatherland.

STATE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE USSR

August 18, 1991.

APPEAL TO THE HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNMENTS AND TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UN

On the instructions of the Soviet leadership, I notify you that on August 19, 1991, in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the USSR, a state of emergency is being introduced in certain places of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for a period of 6 months. For this period, all power in the country is transferred to the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

The measures being taken are temporary. They in no way signify a rejection of the course toward deep reforms in all spheres of the life of the state and society. These measures are forced in nature and are dictated by the vital necessity of saving the economy from collapse and the country from famine, and of preventing the growth of the threat of a broad civil conflict with unpredictable consequences for the peoples of the USSR and the entire world community.

The most important goal of the state of emergency is to ensure conditions guaranteeing every citizen personal and property security. Provision is made for the elimination of anti-constitutional, uncontrolled and essentially criminal military formations that sow moral and physical terror in a number of regions of the USSR and act as catalysts of disintegration processes.

The entire complex of measures being taken is aimed at the earliest possible stabilization of the situation in the USSR, the normalization of social and economic life, the implementation of the necessary transformations and the creation of conditions for the comprehensive development of the country.

Any other path would lead to growing confrontation, violence, incalculable suffering for our peoples and the creation of a dangerous hotbed of tension from the standpoint of international security.

The temporary measures of an emergency nature in no way affect the international obligations assumed by the Soviet Union in accordance with existing treaties and agreements. The USSR is ready to continue developing its relations with all states on the generally recognized principles of good-neighborliness, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

We are confident that our present difficulties are of a transient nature and that the Soviet Union's contribution to the preservation of peace and the strengthening of international security will continue to be substantial. The leadership of the USSR hopes that the temporary emergency measures will meet with due understanding on the part of the peoples and governments and the United Nations Organization.

Acting President of the USSR G. YANAYEV

August 18, 1991.

RESOLUTION No. 1. OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE USSR

In order to protect the vital interests of the peoples and citizens of the Union of SSR, the independence and territorial integrity of the country, to restore legality and law and order, to stabilize the situation, to overcome the gravest crisis, and to prevent chaos, anarchy and fratricidal civil war, the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR resolves:

1. All bodies of power and administration of the Union of SSR, the union and autonomous republics, territories, regions, cities, districts, settlements and villages shall ensure strict observance of the state of emergency regime in accordance with the Law of the Union of SSR "On the Legal Regime of the State of Emergency" and the resolutions of the GKChP USSR. In cases of inability to ensure the implementation of this regime, the powers of the corresponding bodies of power and administration shall be suspended, and the exercise of their functions shall be assigned to persons specially authorized by the GKChP USSR.

2. Immediately disband structures of power and administration and paramilitary formations operating contrary to the Constitution of the USSR and the laws of the USSR.

3. Consider henceforth invalid laws and decisions of bodies of power and administration that contradict the Constitution of the USSR and the laws of the USSR.

4. Suspend the activity of political parties, public organizations and mass movements that hinder the normalization of the situation.

5. In view of the fact that the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR temporarily assumes the functions of the USSR Security Council, the activity of the latter shall be suspended.

6. Citizens, institutions and organizations shall immediately surrender all types of firearms, ammunition, explosives, military equipment and gear unlawfully held by them. The MVD, the KGB and the Ministry of Defense of the USSR shall ensure strict compliance with this requirement. In cases of refusal, they shall be confiscated by force, with the violators held strictly criminally and administratively liable.

7. The Prosecutor's Office, the MVD, the KGB and the Ministry of Defense of the USSR shall organize effective interaction between law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces to ensure the protection of public order and the security of the state, society and citizens in accordance with the Law of the USSR "On the Legal Regime of the State of Emergency" and the resolutions of the GKChP USSR.

The holding of rallies, street processions, demonstrations, as well as strikes, is not permitted,

In necessary cases, introduce a curfew, patrol the territory, carry out inspections, and take measures to strengthen the border and customs regime.

Take under control, and in necessary cases under protection, the most important state and economic facilities, as well as life-support systems.

Resolutely suppress the spread of inflammatory rumors, actions provoking violations of law and order and incitement of interethnic hatred, and disobedience to officials ensuring compliance with the state of emergency regime.

8. Establish control over the mass media, entrusting its implementation to a specially created body under the GKChP USSR.

9. Bodies of power and administration, and heads of institutions and enterprises shall take measures to improve organization, establish order and discipline in all spheres of society's life. Ensure the normal functioning of enterprises in all branches of the national economy, strict implementation of measures to preserve and restore, for the period of stabilization, vertical and horizontal ties between economic entities throughout the territory of the USSR, and strict fulfillment of established volumes of production and supplies of raw materials, materials and components.

Establish and maintain a regime of strict economy of material, technical and currency resources, and develop and carry out concrete measures to combat mismanagement and the squandering of the people's wealth.

Resolutely wage the struggle against the shadow economy, and invariably apply measures of criminal and administrative liability for facts of corruption, embezzlement, speculation, concealment of goods from sale, mismanagement and other offenses in the economic sphere.

Create favorable conditions for increasing the real contribution of all types of entrepreneurial activity carried out in accordance with the laws of the Union of SSR to the country's economic potential and to meeting the vital needs of the population.

10. Consider permanent work in structures of power and administration incompatible with engaging in entrepreneurial activity.

11. The Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR shall, within one week, carry out an inventory of all available resources of food and essential industrial goods, report to the people what the country has at its disposal, and take the strictest control over their safekeeping and distribution.

Abolish any restrictions hindering the movement across the territory of the USSR of food and consumer goods, as well as material resources for their production, and strictly control compliance with such procedure.

Pay special attention to the priority supply of preschool children's institutions, children's homes, schools, secondary specialized and higher educational institutions, hospitals, as well as pensioners and disabled persons.

Within one week, submit proposals on the regulation, freezing and reduction of prices for certain types of industrial and food goods, primarily for children, services to the population and public catering, as well as on increasing wages, pensions, benefits and compensation payments to various categories of citizens.

Within two weeks, develop measures to regulate the amounts of wages of heads of all levels of state, public, cooperative and other institutions, organizations and enterprises.

12. Given the critical situation with the harvest and the threat of famine, take emergency measures to organize the procurement, storage and processing of agricultural products. Render to rural workers the maximum possible assistance with machinery, spare parts, fuel and lubricants, etc. Immediately organize the dispatch to the countryside of workers and employees of enterprises and organizations, students and servicemen in the quantities necessary to save the harvest.

13. The USSR Cabinet of Ministers shall, within one week, draft a resolution providing for the allocation in 1991-1992 of plots of land for gardening and vegetable-growing of up to 0.15 hectares to all urban residents who wish to receive them.

14. The USSR Cabinet of Ministers shall, within two weeks, complete the planning of urgent measures to bring the country's fuel and energy complex out of crisis and to prepare for winter.

15. Within one month, prepare and report to the people real measures for 1992 for a fundamental improvement of housing construction and the provision of housing to the population.

Within six months, develop a concrete program for the accelerated development of state, cooperative and individual housing construction for a five-year period.

16. Oblige the bodies of authority and administration at the center and locally to give priority attention to the social needs of the population. Find ways to substantially improve free medical care and public education.

State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

August 18, 1991

DECREE OF THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

On the introduction of a state of emergency in the city of Moscow

In connection with the worsening situation in the city of Moscow — the capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics — caused by the failure to implement Resolution No. 1 of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR of August 19, 1991, attempts to organize rallies, street processions and demonstrations, and instances of incitement to disorder, in the interests of the protection and safety of citizens, in accordance with Article 1273 of the USSR Constitution, I decree:

1. Declare a state of emergency in the city of Moscow from August 19, 1991.

2. Appoint the commander of the troops of the Moscow Military District, Colonel-General N. V. Kalinin, as commandant of the city of Moscow, granting him the right to issue orders binding for execution regulating matters of maintaining the state of emergency regime.

Acting President of the Union of SSR G. YANAYEV.

Moscow, the Kremlin. August 19, 1991

RESOLUTION No. 2. OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE USSR

On the publication of central, Moscow city and regional newspapers

In connection with the introduction of a state of emergency from August 19, 1991 in Moscow and in certain other territories of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and in accordance with paragraph 14 of Article 4 of the USSR Law "On the Legal Regime of the State of Emergency", the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR resolves:

1. Temporarily restrict the list of published central, Moscow city and regional socio-political publications to the following newspapers: "Trud", "Rabochaya Tribuna", "Izvestia", "Pravda", "Krasnaya Zvezda",

"Sovetskaya Rossiya", "Moskovskaya Pravda", "Leninskoye Znamya", "Selskaya Zhizn".

2. The resumption of publication of other central, Moscow city and regional newspapers and socio-political publications will be decided by a specially created body of the GKChP USSR.

State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

August 19, 1991

STATEMENT OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE USSR

Already the first day of the state of emergency in certain localities of the USSR has shown that people have breathed a certain sigh of relief.

No serious excesses of any kind have been noted anywhere. The GKChP USSR is receiving numerous appeals from citizens in support of the measures being taken to lead the country out of its gravest crisis. The first reaction from abroad to the events in our country is also characterized by a certain understanding, because the worst of conceivable scenarios of development, which worries foreign states most of all, is chaos and anarchy in our nuclear country. Naturally, both within our society and abroad, in connection with the introduction of the state of emergency, distrust and apprehensions are also being expressed. Well, they have grounds: after all, in recent years, unfortunately, very often the real deeds in our state had nothing in common with the proclaimed goals. The hopes of the people have repeatedly been deceived. This time we will do everything so that the activity of the Soviet leadership may earn trust.

In the majority of the union and autonomous republics of our Motherland, the measures taken, caused exclusively by the extremely acute situation, are supported. The peoples understand that the GKChP USSR has no intention whatsoever of encroaching on their constitutional sovereign rights.

A discordant note at this critical moment, when nationwide accord is required, was sounded by the appeal signed on the morning of August 19 of this year by the leaders of the RSFSR, B. Yeltsin, I. Silayev and R. Khasbulatov. It is couched in a confrontational spirit. This appeal also contains direct incitement to unlawful actions, incompatible with the legally established state of emergency regime.

The State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR, showing patience and a striving for constructive cooperation, considers it possible to limit itself this time to a warning against irresponsible, unwise steps. Once again, ambition has prevailed in the Russian leadership, even though the people await the introduction of such adjustments in policy as would meet the fundamental interests of Russians.

We would like to emphasize once again that throughout the entire territory of the Union of SSR, from now on and henceforth, the principle of the supremacy of the USSR Constitution and USSR laws has been restored. We assure you that our practice, unlike the tiresome empty promises, will be unconditionally backed up by the implementation of the decisions adopted.

APPENDICES

Statement of the Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR

In connection with the numerous appeals reaching me from working people with requests to state my attitude toward the draft of the published Treaty on the Union of Sovereign States, I consider it necessary to note the following. As is known, the draft treaty was basically supported by the USSR Supreme Soviet on July 12, 1991. At the same time, the Supreme Soviet formed a plenipotentiary union delegation and instructed it, in finalizing and coordinating the draft Treaty, to proceed from a number of provisions formulated by the country's highest body of power. First of all, it was pointed out that the name and basic principles of the treaty must reflect the results of the all-union referendum, in which the absolute majority of the country's citizens supported the preservation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as a renewed federation of equal sovereign republics. A similar approach to the name and character of our union state was formulated by the USSR Congress of People's Deputies as well. At the meeting of the heads of the plenipotentiary delegations in Novo-Ogarevo, this position of the USSR Supreme Soviet was argued in detail. However, it was not reflected in the final text of the Treaty. And it is natural that this question will undoubtedly require additional discussion by the USSR Congress of People's Deputies, and possibly also an all-union referendum connected with the adoption of a new Constitution.

The USSR Supreme Soviet recognized as advisable that the draft Union Treaty provide for the existence in the USSR of a single economic space, a single banking system, and the vesting in the Union of the property necessary for its normal functioning as a federal state. The requirement to establish independent tax revenues for the union budget was specifically stipulated. Unfortunately, these most important provisions did not find sufficiently clear reflection in the published text of the treaty. This is also evidenced by the recent statements of the USSR Cabinet of Ministers, the board of the USSR State Bank, and a number of other union bodies. Here, apparently, considerable corrections in the text of the treaty are also required.

The USSR Supreme Soviet devoted exceptionally serious attention to ending the so-called "war of laws," which in reality means flagrant lawlessness. In this connection, a norm was proposed for inclusion in the Treaty that would not permit the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to suspend republican laws, nor the republics to suspend union laws, and that would resolve possible disputes through conciliation procedures or decisions of the USSR Constitutional Court. Despite the fact that this proposal was supported by the most prominent Soviet jurists, it also did not find proper reflection in the text of the treaty prepared in Novo-Ogarevo. There is no particular need to prove how dangerous this is for the formation of a stable legal system in our country.

The procedure for its implementation during the transition period, ensuring continuity in the work of state power and administrative bodies, requires a significantly clearer definition in the treaty. Without this it will be impossible to maintain, even to a minimal degree, the functioning of the national economy in the extremely grave crisis situation that has developed in the country.

All these problems require, in my opinion, additional discussion at a session of the USSR Supreme Soviet, and then, apparently, also at the Congress of People's Deputies of the country.

Without this, such a document of the utmost importance for the fate of our state as the Union Treaty will not be able to fully express the will of the Soviet people for the preservation of the USSR — a great power called upon to serve the interests of citizens of all nationalities and exerting a most serious influence on the international situation throughout the world.

A. LUKYANOV

Chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet

August 16, 1991.

RESOLUTION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE USSR SUPREME SOVIET

On the convening of an extraordinary session of the USSR Supreme Soviet

In connection with the submission to the USSR Supreme Soviet for approval of the decision to introduce a state of emergency in certain localities of the USSR, to convene an extraordinary session of the Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on August 26, 1991, in the city of Moscow.

Chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet A. LUKYANOV.

Moscow, the Kremlin. August 19, 1991

[№ 2350—I.]

In the USSR Constitutional Supervision Committee

Chairman of the USSR Constitutional Supervision Committee S. Alekseev and committee members S. Boskholov, S. Mirzoev, M. Piskotin, and V. Filimonov adopted a statement which says:

"Having familiarized ourselves with the official acts announcing the impossibility for M. S. Gorbachev to perform the duties of President of the USSR for health reasons, the assumption by G. I. Yanaev of the duties of President of the USSR, the introduction of a state of emergency in certain localities of the USSR, the creation of the State Committee on the State of Emergency and the transfer to it of the functions of the highest body of state power of the USSR, the members of the USSR Constitutional Supervision Committee consider it their duty to state that such measures can be legally justified only on condition of the strictest observance of the requirements of the Constitution and other laws of the USSR."

It is noted that, before deciding the question of accepting these acts for its consideration and of their legal assessment, the members of the Committee address the USSR Supreme Soviet, as the permanently functioning legislative and supervisory body of state power, with an inquiry: does the USSR Supreme Soviet intend, in accordance with paragraph 15 of Article 1273 of the USSR Constitution, to consider the question of approving the decree of the acting President of the USSR on the introduction of a state of emergency in certain localities of the USSR.

In connection with the formation of the State Committee on the State of Emergency, the members of the USSR Constitutional Supervision Committee draw attention to the fact that, according to paragraph 13 of Article 113 of the USSR Constitution and part 13 of Article 2 of the USSR Law "On the Legal Regime of a State of Emergency," the introduction of a state of emergency throughout the country may be carried out only by the USSR Supreme Soviet.

Possessing the appropriate information, the USSR Constitutional Supervision Committee will act in the future in accordance with the status and procedure provided for by Article 124 of the USSR Constitution and the Law on Constitutional Supervision in the USSR, the statement says.

(TASS).

MEETING OF THE SOVIET LEADERSHIP WITH JOURNALISTS

On August 19, a press conference of G. I. Yanaev was held at the press center of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was attended by O. D. Baklanov, B. K. Pugo, V. A. Starodubtsev, and A. I. Tizyakov.

In a brief statement, G. I. Yanaev emphasized that he had assumed the temporary performance of the duties of President in connection with the impossibility for M. S. Gorbachev to perform the duties of President of the USSR for health reasons — on the basis of Article 1277 of the USSR Constitution.

I address you, ladies and gentlemen, comrades, at a moment that is responsible for the destinies of the Soviet Union and the situation throughout the world, he said. Having embarked on the path of profound reforms and having covered a considerable stretch in that direction, the Soviet Union has now found itself facing a profound crisis, whose further development may call into question both the course of reforms itself and lead to serious cataclysms in international life.

It is no secret that the sharp drop in production in the country, which is not yet being offset by the activity of alternative industrial and agricultural structures, creates a real threat to the further coexistence and development of the peoples of the Soviet Union.

A situation of ungovernability and multiple power has arisen in the country. All this cannot but cause widespread discontent among the population. A real threat has also arisen of the disintegration of the country, the collapse of a single economic space, a single space of civil rights, a single defense and a single foreign policy.

Normal life under these conditions is impossible. In many regions of the USSR, as a result of multiethnic and interethnic clashes, blood is being shed; the disintegration of the USSR would have the most severe consequences, not only internal but also international. Under these conditions we have no choice but to take decisive measures to stop the country's slide toward catastrophe.

The Acting President of the USSR reminded journalists that, in order to govern the country and effectively implement the state of emergency, a decision had been adopted to establish the State Committee on the State of Emergency.

He stated that the GKChP USSR is fully aware of the depth of the crisis that has struck the country, accepts responsibility for the fate of the Motherland and is fully determined to take the most serious measures to bring the state and society out of the crisis as quickly as possible.

We promise to conduct a broad nationwide discussion of the draft of the new union treaty. Every citizen of the USSR will have the right and the opportunity to reflect in a calm atmosphere on this most important act, for the fate of the numerous peoples of our great Motherland will depend on what the Union becomes.

We stand for genuine democratic processes, for a consistent policy of reforms leading to the renewal of our Motherland, to its economic and social prosperity, which will enable it to take a worthy place in the world community of nations.

The development of the country must not be built on a decline in the living standards of the population. In a healthy society, a constant rise in the well-being of all citizens will become the norm. Without weakening our concern for strengthening and protecting the rights of the individual, we will focus attention on protecting the interests of the broadest strata of the population, those who are most threatened by inflation, the disorganization of production, corruption and crime.

Our priority task will be to solve the food and housing problems. All available forces will be mobilized to satisfy these most urgent needs of the people. We call on workers, peasants, the working intelligentsia, all Soviet people to restore labor discipline and order in the shortest possible time, to raise the level of production, so as then to move decisively forward. Our life and the future of our children and grandchildren, the fate of the Fatherland depend on this

We are a peace-loving country and will strictly observe all the obligations we have assumed. We have no claims against anyone; we want to live with everyone in peace and friendship, but we firmly declare that no one will ever be allowed to encroach on our sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Any attempts to speak to our country in the language of diktat, no matter from whom they come, will be resolutely suppressed.

Our multiethnic people has lived for centuries filled with pride for its Motherland. We were not ashamed of patriotic feelings and consider it natural and legitimate to raise the present and future generations of citizens of our great power in this spirit. To remain inactive at this hour, which is critical for the destinies of the Fatherland

— means to assume heavy responsibility for tragic, truly unpredictable consequences. Everyone to whom our Motherland is dear, who wants to live and work in an atmosphere of calm and confidence, who does not accept the continuation of bloody interethnic conflicts, must make the only correct choice. We call on all true patriots, people of good will, to put an end to the present time of troubles.

We call on all citizens of the Soviet Union to recognize their duty to the Motherland and to render every possible support to the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR, to the efforts to bring the country out of the crisis. Constructive proposals from social and political organizations, labor collectives and citizens will be gratefully accepted as a manifestation of their patriotic readiness to take an active part in restoring the age-old friendship within the single family of fraternal peoples and in the revival of the Fatherland.

Answering a question about where M. S. Gorbachev is now, the Acting President said that Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is resting and undergoing treatment in the Crimea. Over these years he has become very tired, and some time is needed for him to recover his health. G. I. Yanayev expressed the hope that M. S. Gorbachev, having recovered, would return to the performance of his duties. We will follow the course that he began in 1985, added the Acting President. As for the state of emergency, it is being introduced at a very difficult period for the country in order to avoid any excesses. We were compelled to take certain measures for the safety of our citizens, said G. I. Yanayev.

Two questions were addressed to him at once: is there now a concrete program for reviving the country's economy? Will the previously adopted laws remain in force, will the movement toward the market continue? The second concerns the appeal by B. N. Yeltsin, I. S. Silayev and R. I. Khasbulatov to the citizens of Russia, transmitted by the Russian Information Agency, in which the events of the past night were characterized as a "right-wing reactionary anti-constitutional coup." In the same appeal, the journalist recalled, there was a call for a general indefinite strike. What could be the concrete actions of the committee in this connection?

A. I. Tizyakov answered the first question. It is no secret to anyone, he said, that perestroika did not produce the results everyone expected of it. Our economy today is in an extremely difficult situation; production is declining, and this is caused by a whole range of factors, yet one cannot discount the fact that perestroika was carried out on such a scale. In any endeavor there may be certain shortcomings, even mistakes. That is the situation that has taken shape. It also served as the main reason for the introduction of the state of emergency. Today the ties between enterprises have been broken. He further noted that the closure of a number of republican and regional borders played a negative role. This created an extremely difficult situation for the work of enterprises, which began to falter and come to a halt.

Our actions will be directed above all at stabilizing the economy. We are not renouncing reforms aimed at moving toward the market. We believe, however, that this movement will have to be more clearly thought out and that the management of all our actions will have to be organized at a higher level.

Today, when the Soviet people have been informed of the creation of the committee on the state of emergency, G. I. Yanayev continues his answer, I and certain other members of the committee had contacts with the leaders of all nine republics that declared their readiness to join the renewed union federation, as well as with the leadership of many territories and regions of the Union. I can say that, on the whole, the creation of the committee and its aspiration to lead the country out of the crisis in which it finds itself have been supported. Today I also had a conversation with B. N. Yeltsin. I am aware of the statement by Boris Nikolayevich, Comrades Khasbulatov and Silayev. In this connection I would like to emphasize that the committee on the state of emergency is ready to cooperate with the leadership of the republics, territories and regions, proceeding from our aspiration to find such adequate forms for the development of democracy, the revival of the economy and culture, and the ensuring of human rights as would make it possible to cope most effectively with the problems we face today.

I believe that if we had the readiness of the Russian leadership for such cooperation, we would be able to find ways for this interaction.

I believe that a call for a general indefinite strike is an irresponsible call, and we evidently cannot allow ourselves such a thing. When the country is in chaos, one cannot play political games, because in the end these games turn against our long-suffering people. If we are not indifferent to the fate of the Fatherland, the fate of Russia, we must find truly practical forms of interaction.

G. I. Yanayev is asked by whom and in what manner exactly the decision to introduce the state of emergency was taken, whether the formation of some committee of public salvation or another similar body is envisaged, and whether there is an intention to convene a session of the USSR Supreme Soviet immediately.

As for the introduction of the state of emergency, we proceeded from the fact that there are critical situations that require immediate action, said G. I. Yanayev. We intend to apply to the USSR Supreme Soviet for confirmation of the powers to introduce the state of emergency; it will be convened on August 26.

The next question is to the acting President of the USSR: The State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR, in its address to the people, declared that it would above all concern itself with the interests of the broadest strata of the population and would strive to solve the food and housing problems. What concrete measures are envisaged for this, and what resources does the committee have at its disposal?

This is a very important question, noted G. I. Yanayev. The first step we intend to take is to do the maximum possible to save the harvest. Evidently tomorrow we will adopt a corresponding document that will orient toward emergency, extraordinary measures in this regard. We intend to use all the state's possibilities in order, first, to carry out a kind of inventory of what the country has.

Over the past three years we have built housing very poorly, and many citizens expected that we would carry out the housing program we announced at the very beginning of perestroika. Unfortunately, we proved inadequate here. Therefore I believe that today we face three very main tasks. The first

— food, the second — housing, and the third — transport and energy, since the country is heading into winter.

Journalists are interested in who will perform the duties of General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. The acting head of the Soviet state is also asked whether it is true that a number of publications, including Argumenty i Fakty,

Moskovskiye Novosti, Kuranty, Stolitsa and a number of others, have been declared closed. For what period have they been closed?

I think, answered G. I. Yanayev, that if we introduce a state of emergency regime, we will have to re-register certain mass publications. Re-register precisely. This is not about closing newspapers, but about re-registering them, because some mass media are also largely to blame for the chaos in which the country finds itself. As for the post of General Secretary, G. I. Yanayev declined to comment on this party question.

The Vice-President of the USSR is asked what responses have been received to the committee's address to the leaders of the countries of the world and to the UN Secretary-General.

We are analyzing very carefully the statements of foreign state and political figures, came the answer. The reaction is, on the whole, fairly restrained, since evidently our partners currently have too little factual material to take some well-argued position. I am familiar with the latest statement by President G. Bush, in which he expresses the hope that the foreign-policy commitments assumed by the Soviet Union will be fulfilled. This was confirmed in the statement of the State Committee on the State of Emergency immediately after its formation.

Next follow questions to B. K. Pugo and V. A. Starodubtsev. Representatives of the mass media are interested in what new things are envisaged to be introduced in the fight against crime and whether the peasant masses will support the committee on the state of emergency.

One should not assume that some fundamentally new measures that have not been applied before will be found and proposed, replied the head of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs. I think, first of all, one must proceed from the fact that law enforcement agencies must significantly improve their ordinary work; we are obliged to raise the demands placed on our employees and give true professionals the opportunity to show themselves better. One must rely precisely on professionals — such is the minister's credo.

If we speak of some specific ways, he continued, then I think that already now in more than 50 cities of the country such methods as joint patrolling have proven themselves. The minister further recalled that this measure was initially met with suspicion, but it has shown its effectiveness.

The head of the union Ministry of Internal Affairs noted the need to revive the ties of law enforcement agencies with the public.

It is precisely the peasantry, said V. A. Starodubtsev, and especially this year, that is bearing the heaviest losses in the course of perestroika. The majority of collective farms, state farms and the just-born farming enterprises are on the brink of catastrophe. The price parity between town and countryside has been disrupted. The lack of fuel, spare parts, and the sharp reduction in the supply of machinery and other materials to agricultural production are leading, frankly speaking, to the gravest condition of the peasantry. I think that the peasants, driven to despair, today hope that order will finally be established, that the eyes of our entire society will be turned to the peasantry, to help it get back on its feet and be reborn.

One of the journalists, touching on the deadlines and criteria for the re-registration of publications, called the creation of the committee a "coup" and tried to find analogies with 1917 and 1964.

G. I. Yanayev replies: As for the re-registration of newspapers, we will try not to drag out this process. I would not like to comment right now on the criteria that will be taken as the basis for re-registration. As for the assertion that a state coup was carried out tonight, I would allow myself to disagree with this, since we are relying on constitutional norms. I believe that confirmation of the decision we adopted by the USSR Supreme Soviet will make it possible to state that absolutely all legal and constitutional norms were observed. The comparison does not seem correct to me; I think that any analogies here are simply dangerous.

Answering another question, the acting head of state, in particular, said: I believe that in due time the medical report on the state of health of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev will be published. Touching on the prospects for fulfilling the USSR's treaty with Germany in the current situation, G. I. Yanayev recalled that the statement of the State Committee on the State of Emergency contains confirmation of the obligations that the Soviet Union has assumed in the foreign policy sphere, including those obligations it has toward a united Germany.

A group of questions addressed to the vice-president concerns the plan of actions aimed at ending interethnic conflicts in the country.

We, G. I. Yanayev reported, have a program of actions to reduce the tension that exists in our sphere of interethnic relations. We also have completely concrete plans.

They are connected with the settlement of the problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There are concrete proposals for the settlement of other interethnic problems. I believe that this is one of the most important problems now facing the USSR. The leadership of the country, the leadership of the State Committee on the State of Emergency, are obliged to immediately take up these problems. We have received support from the absolute majority of the leaders of the republics for our intention to establish order in the country and save the country.

The participants of the conference are interested in when journalists will be able to meet with M. S. Gorbachev. As soon as Mikhail Sergeyevich's state of health permits this, was the reply.

O. D. Baklanov is asked what measures are planned to be taken to solve the housing and food problems for servicemen, and especially for those who, after the withdrawal of our troops from a number of countries, find themselves in a dire situation.

The point of our approaches is to concentrate all available resources and thereby accelerate the construction of housing for servicemen and their families. You probably know the figure: about 200 thousand families are in need of this. Such a situation cannot be called normal. We must use both our own resources and those that, in accordance with the agreement, we are to receive from foreign states.

Answering one of the questions regarding President Yeltsin's decree on de-partization, G. I. Yanayev emphasized: all decrees and resolutions that will be adopted will be considered from the standpoint of the state of emergency in the country. But, taking this opportunity, the acting head of state emphasized: what the leadership of the Russian Federation is now occupied with, and in particular calls for insubordination, is a very dangerous policy.

It can lead to excesses and even armed provocation. The State Committee on the State of Emergency considers it its duty to warn all Soviet people about this. We hope that calm and order will be ensured everywhere.

To the question of what the committee's position is regarding the Baltic republics, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, which intend not to sign the Union Treaty, G. I. Yanayev emphasized: Here our position is unchanged; it has been repeatedly made public by President M. S. Gorbachev. We will respect the expression of the will of the peoples of the country. We will try to ensure that the Union Treaty, on which the historical path along which the country will develop will depend, is adopted and discussed by the whole people.

I believe that as the situation in the country normalizes we will move to direct elections of the President of the Soviet Union in accordance with democratic principles, added G. I. Yanayev.

Answering the many questions that followed, the members of the committee explained to journalists: the state of emergency leaves citizens of the regions where it has been introduced freedom of movement. The committee intends to carry out its work on the basis of consensus.

Speaking about the role of M. S. Gorbachev in the life of our society in recent years, the acting head of the Soviet state noted: I believe that Mikhail Sergeyevich did immeasurably much to ensure that democratic processes began widely in the country in 1985. This man deserves every respect; he did everything so that we would embark on the democratic path.

(TASS).

Pravda, No. 199 (26647), Tuesday, August 20, 1991, video recording of the press conference in the gallery

20 AUGUST 1991

DECREE OF THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

On Decrees of the President of the RSFSR Nos. 59, 61, 62 and 63 of 19 August 1991

On 19 August 1991, the President of the RSFSR issued Decrees Nos. 59, 61, 62 and 63, which express a negative attitude toward the statement of the Soviet leadership and Resolution No. 1 of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

In the said decrees, the President of the RSFSR attempts to usurp the powers of the supreme bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and to vest the executive bodies of the republic with the competence of bodies of the USSR, and calls upon the bodies of authority of the RSFSR and their officials not to carry out the decisions of the GKChP.

The decrees contain crude attacks against the members of the GKChP and a threat of criminal prosecution against officials, law enforcement officers and servicemen in the event that they carry out the decisions of the GKChP.

The issued decrees of the President of the RSFSR run counter to the Constitution and laws of the USSR and to the line proclaimed by the GKChP toward stabilizing the situation in the country; they are openly confrontational in nature and may lead to grave consequences.

In accordance with paragraphs 1 and 4 of Article 1273 and Article 1275 of the USSR Constitution, I decree:

1. To declare the decrees of the President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic of 19 August 1991 Nos. 59, 61, 62 and 63 and Resolution No. 435 of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR of 19 August 1991 to be without legal force from the moment of their issuance, as contrary to the Constitution and laws of the USSR.

All bodies of authority and administration of the RSFSR, officials and citizens shall strictly carry out the decisions of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

2. The heads of the law enforcement bodies of the USSR shall ensure that the employees of the bodies of internal affairs, state security and the Procurator's Office of the RSFSR observe the Constitution and laws of the USSR and the decisions of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

Acting President of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

G. YANAYEV.

Moscow, the Kremlin.

20 August 1991

RESOLUTION No. 3 OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE USSR

In connection with the introduction on 19 August 1991 of a state of emergency in Moscow and in certain other territories of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in accordance with paragraph 14 of Article 4 of the USSR Law "On the Legal Regime of a State of Emergency", the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR resolves:

1. The All-Union State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company and the republican, territorial and regional television and radio organizations shall be strictly guided in their work by the resolutions of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

2. To assign to the leadership of the All-Union Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting in the USSR and the All-Union State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (Gosteleradio) the coordination of the activities of television and radio broadcasting organizations throughout the entire territory of the country. To temporarily vest Gosteleradio with the authority, in necessary cases, to suspend or annul the instructions of local bodies of authority that contradict the tasks and principles of broadcasting under a state of emergency.

3. To temporarily restrict the list of programs transmitted from Moscow to the entire territory of the country to the following programs:

— on television — the first, second and third programs of Central Television;

— on radio — the first, second, third and fourth programs of central All-Union radio broadcasting;

To temporarily restrict the use of radio stations under Union subordination for the transmission by a number of Union republics of their radio programs to foreign countries.

4. Programs of republican television and radio broadcasting shall be transmitted on the territory of the corresponding republic only through the channels and transmitting facilities allocated for these purposes.

5. To suspend the activities of the television and radio of Russia, as well as of the radio station "Echo of Moscow", as not contributing to the process of stabilizing the situation in the country.

6. The transmission of television and radio broadcasting programs of public, commercial and other broadcasting bodies not belonging to the broadcasting structure specified in the paragraphs of this resolution is temporarily suspended.

The Ministry of Communications of the USSR and the ministries of communications of the Union republics shall ensure the suspension of the emission into the air and the transmission through cable networks of the programs of non-state broadcasting bodies.

7. The effect of previously issued registration certificates for television and radio broadcasting is terminated. The procedure and timeframes for conducting the re-registration of television and radio broadcasting bodies will be communicated additionally.

To instruct the Ministry of Communications of the USSR to take under control all operating and reserve communications and broadcasting centers and channels on the territory of the country (including those under republican subordination).

9. Gosteleradio and the Ministry of Communications of the USSR, in interaction with the leadership of the All-Union Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting, shall create a temporary coordination group for the regulation of television and radio broadcasting in the country, including in matters of allocating frequencies and providing broadcasting time and technical means.

10. The KGB of the USSR, the MVD of the USSR and their local bodies shall take additional measures to ensure the implementation of this resolution.

State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR.

20 August 1991

COMMUNICATION OF THE STATE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THE USSR

The heads of a number of regional bodies of internal affairs report that an order of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the RSFSR has been received by certain educational institutions of the MVD of the RSFSR to dispatch hundreds of armed cadets to Moscow.

In essence, what is at issue is the creation of illegal armed formations that are to be used as an instrument of forceful pressure on the Soviet leadership.

The State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR has instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs of the USSR to conduct an immediate investigation into this fact.

The following came to light. Indeed, such an order had been issued by the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the RSFSR. On its basis, armed formations were to enter Moscow by the morning of August 21. There is no doubt whatsoever that this could become the detonator of the most dangerous, explosive processes in the capital of the USSR.

On the instructions of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR, the above-named order has been rescinded by the Minister of Internal Affairs of the USSR. The leadership of the schools is categorically prohibited from assigning cadets.

The information has been conveyed to the relevant officials.

Heads of internal affairs bodies who have failed to carry out the order of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the USSR will be held strictly accountable

APPENDIX

IN THE CABINET OF MINISTERS OF THE USSR

At its meeting on August 19, the Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR considered the urgent tasks arising from the statement of the Soviet leadership and the decisions of the State Committee on the State of Emergency in the USSR. The Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR supported these decisions, which are aimed at overcoming the deep political crisis that has engulfed the country and threatens the very existence of the Soviet state, at restoring law and order, and at ensuring the normal functioning of the national economy as the most important condition for the life of society and the stabilization of the situation.

As was emphasized at the meeting, the focus of the Cabinet of Ministers must be on matters of organizing the procurement, storage, processing and distribution of food, and of supplying the national economy and the country's population with fuel and energy. Within the framework of the strategic course toward continuing economic reform, the Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR will direct its efforts toward overcoming destabilizing manifestations in economic life, performing its functions in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the USSR, in close interaction with republican and local government bodies.

The Cabinet of Ministers of the USSR supported the decision of its Presidium of August 17, which approved in principle the text of the Union Treaty and at the same time spoke in favor of adopting, as an integral part of the treaty, a package of proposals providing for a mechanism for implementing the provisions of the treaty and ensuring the functioning of the economy of the country and the sovereign republics throughout the transition period.

Pravda, No. 200 (26648), Wednesday, August 21, 1991

21 AUGUST 1991

NOTE:

The press, citing materials from the criminal case, mentioned that the GKChP USSR had prepared Resolution No. 4, but it was not published.

APPENDICES

Statement of the Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee

At this critical moment in the history of the state, the Secretariat of the Central Committee considers it necessary to convey its position to the communists and to all citizens of our country.

Once again the leading bodies of the CPSU are confronted with grave facts and with the need to assess political events that have already taken place.

The process of the comprehensive renewal of Soviet society, begun by the CPSU in April 1985 on the initiative of the General Secretary of the Party's Central Committee, M. S. Gorbachev, is historically necessary and meets the highest interests of the Soviet people.

The Secretariat confirms its commitment to the course of democratic renewal of Soviet society — our multinational federation — and to the principles and goals set forth in the documents of the XXVIII Congress of the CPSU and in the draft of the new CPSU Program.

In recent years, important positive shifts in public life were set in motion, and preconditions were created for overcoming the legacy of the totalitarian past. However, the scale of the accumulated problems and the miscalculations made in resolving them have led to a deep crisis of society and the state. Nevertheless, we believe that the crisis must be overcome only by constitutional means.

The Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee considers it impermissible to use temporary emergency powers to establish an authoritarian regime, to create anti-constitutional bodies of power, or to attempt to use force.

We advocate the immediate consideration of the current situation by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and, if necessary, by the Congress of People's Deputies.

We advocate the urgent convening of a Plenum of the Central Committee with the indispensable participation of the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, M. S. Gorbachev.

The Secretariat of the Central Committee calls on communists to promote in every way the preservation of civil peace, the maintenance of law and order in the country, and the creation of conditions in which citizens of the USSR could, with full responsibility, determine for themselves their attitude toward the fundamental problems of society.

We appeal to all citizens to exercise restraint and calm, and not to allow disruptions in the rhythm of work. The completion of the harvest and preparations for winter require particular attention. Everything must be done to eliminate the threat of an energy and food crisis.

We express the hope that the good will and labor of Soviet people will ensure the country's development along the path of peace, accord and creation.

Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee

Meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR

On August 21, in the Kremlin, the chairmen of the chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, I. D. Laptev and R. N. Nishanov, held a meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

The meeting, in which members of the USSR Constitutional Oversight Committee also took part, considered the situation that had arisen in the country in connection with the creation of the so-called State Committee on the State of Emergency (GKChP) and the decisions announced in its name. It was reported that the Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, A. I. Lukyanov, had flown to Crimea to meet with the President of the USSR, M. S. Gorbachev.

On the question under discussion, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a resolution which, in particular, states:

To consider unlawful the de facto removal of the President of the USSR, M. S. Gorbachev, from the performance of his constitutional duties and the transfer of those duties to the Vice-President of the USSR.

To submit for consideration by an extraordinary session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR a proposal to establish an investigative commission to decide the question of holding accountable the officials guilty of violating the Constitution of the USSR.

On August 22, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR will continue its work.

(TASS).

Decision of the Board of the Ministry of Defense

On August 21, a press conference was held at the Ministry of Defense of the USSR. It was announced there that that morning the collegium of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR had considered the situation that had arisen as a result of the implementation of the emergency measures introduced in certain localities of the USSR.

The collegium of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR adopted a decision to withdraw military subunits and units from the places covered by the state of emergency to their permanent deployment points.

(TASS).

A Course Toward the Democratization of Society

Representatives of the CPSU leadership stated on August 21 their commitment to the course of democratic renewal of Soviet society. Speaking at a press conference in connection with the events of recent days in the country, CPSU Central Committee Secretary A. Dzasokhov stated that the Secretariat of the Central Committee considers attempts to establish an authoritarian regime inadmissible. According to him, the Secretariat advocates an urgent examination of the current situation in the USSR Supreme Soviet or, possibly, at the Congress of People's Deputies of the country.

Moreover, A. Dzasokhov reported, the Secretariat advocates holding a Plenum of the CPSU Central Committee with the participation of General Secretary of the Central Committee M. S. Gorbachev. He noted that from the very beginning of the attempted coup, representatives of the Secretariat of the Central Committee had insisted on holding a meeting with M. S. Gorbachev. Only today their efforts were crowned with success — Deputy General Secretary of the Central Committee V. Ivashko flew to Crimea.

Answering a question about the measures taken by representatives of the CPSU to provide support to the Russian parliament, A. Dzasokhov said that the leader of the Russian communists, V. Kuptsov, maintained constant telephone contact with the republican leadership.

Participating in the press conference were Politburo member and CPSU Central Committee Secretary P. Luchinsky and party Central Committee Secretary V. Kalashnikov.

(TASS).

Statement by V. Bakatin and Ye. Primakov

The editorial office of Pravda received a statement from two members of the USSR Security Council, V. Bakatin and Ye. Primakov.

We present its full text:

We consider the introduction of a state of emergency and the transfer of power in the country to a group of individuals to be anti-constitutional. According to the information we have, USSR President M. S. Gorbachev is in good health.

The responsibility resting on us as members of the Security Council obliges us to demand the immediate withdrawal of armored vehicles from the streets of the cities and to do everything possible to prevent bloodshed. We also demand that the personal safety of M. S. Gorbachev be guaranteed and that he be given the opportunity to speak publicly without delay.

V. BAKATIN, YE. PRIMAKOV

August 20, 1991.

In the Committee under the President of the USSR for the Coordination of the Activities of Law Enforcement Agencies

The Committee took the leadership of the law enforcement agencies upon itself.

The heads of the competent agencies were tasked, in coordination with the USSR Ministry of Defense, with ensuring the safe return of USSR President M. S. Gorbachev to his residence in the Kremlin to perform his duties.

In the Prosecutor's Office of the USSR

In connection with the presence in the actions of members of the illegally created State Committee on the State of Emergency of signs of a state crime, the USSR Prosecutor General opened a criminal case.

The investigation was entrusted to a group of investigators.

Pravda, No. 201 (26649), Thursday, August 22, 1991

AUGUST 22, 1991

APPENDICES

Statement of the Board of the KGB of the USSR

In connection with the attempt undertaken on August 19 of this year by a group of state officials to carry out an anti-constitutional coup, the collegium of the USSR KGB considers it necessary, on behalf of the entire personnel of the security agencies, to state the following:

"The actions of the conspirators, thwarted by the decisive actions of the country's democratic forces, cannot be regarded as anything other than an action against the constitutional authorities and the rule of law, which the state security agencies are called upon to defend. KGB employees have nothing in common with the unlawful acts of a group of adventurers. They are deeply distressed by the fact that the honor of the state security agencies has been tarnished by the participation of the head of the USSR KGB in the so-called State Committee on the State of Emergency.

The collegium called upon the heads of the state security agencies, proceeding from the political and legal assessment given by the USSR President, to carry out their activities in strict accordance with the Constitution, the laws of the USSR and the decisions of the country's President."

Sessions Are Convened

On August 22, in the Kremlin, under the leadership of the chairmen of the chambers of the USSR Supreme Soviet, I. D. Laptev and R. N. Nishanov, the session of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet was continued.

After a comprehensive and principled exchange of opinions on the issues related to the attempted state coup undertaken by a group of individuals, it was deemed necessary to include the following issues in the agenda of the forthcoming extraordinary session of the USSR Supreme Soviet:

1. Report by USSR President M. S. Gorbachev on the situation that arose in the country in connection with the attempted state coup.

2. On convening an extraordinary Congress of People's Deputies of the USSR.

3. On assessing the role of the leadership of the USSR Supreme Soviet and USSR state bodies in the events of August 18, 1991 and the following days.

4. On the list of priority measures and legislative acts that would exclude the possibility of a repetition of events similar to those that took place on August 18-21, 1991.

5. On changes in the composition of the USSR government and other state bodies.

The Presidium, having considered the submission of the USSR Prosecutor General, gave consent to criminal prosecution and arrest for participation in a conspiracy to seize power of USSR People's Deputies O. D. Baklanov, V. I. Boldin, V. I. Varennikov, V. A. Starodubtsev, O. S. Shenin.

On the proposal of a group of USSR People's Deputies, the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet instructed the chairmen of the chambers of the USSR Supreme Soviet to preside over the extraordinary session of the USSR Supreme Soviet in turn.

(TASS).

In the Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee

The Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee notes that a number of CPSU members, including Central Committee members, took part in the actions connected with the attempted state coup. Their actions were carried out in secret from the party leadership, endangered the development of democratic processes and caused enormous damage to the country and the CPSU. Decisively condemning the adventurers, the Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee resolves:

1. To appeal to the Central Control Commission of the CPSU with a proposal to immediately consider the question of the responsibility before the party of the CPSU members who participated in anti-constitutional actions and to adopt appropriate decisions.

2. To consider it expedient at the nearest Plenum of the CPSU Central Committee to consider the question of the persons belonging to the Central Committee who are guilty of these actions.

The Secretariat of the CPSU Central Committee considers it necessary to work out at the Plenum of the Central Committee measures to increase the responsibility and role of the party in carrying out democratic transformations in the country.

Pravda, No. 202 (26650), Friday, August 23, 1991