71.   The statement also asked immediate release of alleged coup plotters, other political prisoners and human rights activists and restoration of media freedom.

72.   The statement also demanded the immediate release of alleged coup plotters, political prisoners and human rights activists, and restoration of press freedom.

73.   They have little to lose by rolling the dice on a former coup plotter promising to shake things up.

74.   They say the move could also cause friction between the coup plotters and the majority of troops who remained loyal to the government.

75.   Two days later, the coup plotters gave up and Gorbachev returned to Moscow, though his authority had been fatally weakened.

76.   Two other coup plotters are also seeking election.

77.   Two days later the coup plotters retreated and Gorbachev was back in office.

78.   Two days later, the tanks withdrew, the coup plotters fled and Gorbachev returned to Moscow.

79.   Two other coup plotters are also running.

80.   Using stockpiled weapons discovered by police, the coup plotters were then to turn their guns on the prime minister and president, Defense Minister Aftab Shaban Mirani said.