U.S. Cautious on Republics’ Armies

WASHINGTON — The Bush Administration on Tuesday welcomed the former Soviet republics’ progress in forging new political and economic ties but reserved judgment on the possibility that some may form their own armies.

The republics agreed Monday to allow each state to decide whether to form its own armed services or let unified commonwealth forces patrol its territory.

Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova have indicated they want their own armies, while the rest appear content to submit to the unified forces, Russian President Boris N. Yeltsin said.

U.S. officials said the implications of the decision may not be known for several weeks. Instead, they focused their reaction on praise for the moves toward cooperation in other spheres.

“The U.S. government is pleased that the independent republics are working out their economic and political relationships through cooperative dialogue and good-faith negotiations,” State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.