1.   Its supporters proudly cite critical assistance from the endowment to countries emerging from repressive systems like Poland and South Africa.

2.   Minister of Government Frank Vargas, a former army general, said there are no reasons to fear a repressive system is being introduced in Ecuador.

3.   Partnering in state enterprises would make US companies complicit in the repressive Cuban economic system.

4.   But critics say the former KGB agents, trained in the repressive Soviet system, abhor civilian control over government and are generally anti-democratic and opposed to reforms.

5.   Critics have voiced fears that the former KGB officials might try to re-establish elements of the repressive Soviet system and crack down on democratic freedoms.

6.   Critics have said the former agents of the KGB and its successor agencies, trained in the repressive Soviet system, oppose democracy and market reforms.