ocr: Relations with Russia are paramount. Numerous bilateral agreements have been signed since 1991. These ties - are being strengthenednow that the pro- Russian communist, Mechislav Grib, has become parliamentary chairman. However, relations could sour ifthe reformers in Moscow gain power. Many in Russia are opposed to closer links with Belorussia, believing it: represents a drain on Moscow's resources for little strategic gain. The goodrelations with the West developedby ex- Chairman Shushkevich have cooled. However, Belorussia retains its Most FavoredNation (MFN) trading status with the USA.
