11.   For the ruling former communists, liberalising the laws is an electoral promise which most be kept.

12.   Lithuanians vote Saturday in municipal and regional polls viewed as a test of support for the ruling former communists.

13.   Stoyanov, whose Union of Democratic Forces is aligned against the ruling former communists, has also supported the call for early elections.

14.   The opposition holds the ruling former communists responsible for the dire economic conditions gripping Bulgaria.