41.   On the one hand, the two Slavic neighbors have signed a union treaty, forging the closest ties among former Soviet republics.

42.   Opposition to Lukashenko has gained strength since he signed a union treaty with Russia last month, which nationalists see as a virtual end to Belarus independence.

43.   Russia has signed a union treaty with Belarus, and Russian leaders had appeared reluctant to enter into an open confrontation with Lukashenko.

44.   Protesters adopted a resolution condemning a union treaty between Belarus and neighboring Russia, which Lukashenko has called the first step toward rebuilding the Soviet Union.

45.   Russia and Belarus have signed a union treaty that pledged closer cooperation in most areas but stopped well short of creating a single state.

46.   Russia and Belarus signed a union treaty five years ago envisaging close political, economic and military ties, but stopped short of creating a single state.

47.   Russia and Belarus have signed a union treaty to bring the two Slavic countries closer, but stops well short of creating a single state.

48.   Russia and Belarus negotiated for months before signing the union treaty two years ago, and it has produced few practical results.

49.   Russia signed a union treaty with Belarus last month.

50.   Russia signed a union treaty with neighboring Belarus last May and has formed a customs union with that republic, which also has been joined by Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan.