Chapter 295

“That was our hope when we came here, but it does not look like that will happen. Russia is very upset with France. In its anger, it is insisting that we remain a close partner of Russia, with very little interaction with the West. Father is very disappointed. The plan was to meet all next week with trade groups from the US, Canada, and Western Europe to agree on easing restrictions of goods and services flowing both ways. Our government is under heavy pressure from Russia to resist trade with the West, while the people of my country are pressuring it to be more receptive to trade with the West. Father thinks it may bring our current government down if it is not resolved soon.”

Steve was listening closely as the beautiful girl spoke knowledgeably about her concerns for her country’s economic and political future. The Eastern European Bloc wanted more trade with the West. Russia was the stumbling block and France was exacerbating the situation by holding the Russian Olympic her