1.   The republics failed, however, to reach agreement on a council for railway transport, and also on the organization of economic links.

2.   The republic failed to build on the potential support of this majority.

3.   The republic failed to curb its powers.

4.   The company says it cannot pay because former Soviet republics have failed to pay their debts to Gazprom.

5.   The former Soviet republic has consistently failed to implement reforms needed to increase budget revenues and allow financing of social programs.

6.   Visiting Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze warned Monday that if former Soviet republics failed to embrace democracy, fascism could fill the void.