11.   Liberal politicians and many leading cultural figures have strongly opposed the reinstatement of the Soviet anthem, saying it symbolized political repression.

12.   Liberal politicians and many leading cultural figures said the Soviet anthem symbolized repression and totalitarianism.

13.   On a recent train ride through western Ukraine, the piped-in music suddenly switched from Western pop to the Soviet anthem.

14.   On Monday, members of the Russian and Belarusian parliaments met in the Russian city of Yaroslavl on the Volga River, opening their session with the Soviet anthem.

15.   Putin also cited opinion polls showing that most people favor the old Soviet anthem.

16.   Some lawmakers said support for the Soviet anthem was overwhelming and its quick passage was virtually guaranteed.

17.   Sergei Mikhalkov, the elderly poet who wrote the original lyrics for the Soviet anthem, also produced the new version, which does not refer to communist ideals.

18.   The bill calls for reinstating the music of the Soviet anthem, composed by Alexander Alexandrov.

19.   The lawmakers are expected both to restore the Soviet anthem and approve the post-Soviet flag and emblem before their winter break, the Kremlin official said.

20.   The mostly older crowd stood somberly for the Soviet anthem before Zyuganov spoke.