Pressfax 31 Aug PRAVDA

This intelligence document, dated 31 August 1991, reports on the resumption of publication of the Soviet newspaper PRAVDA. Following a period of suspension mandated by a decree from the Russian president, the newspaper returned to print with a revamped masthead. The new edition notably removed the portrait of Lenin and the slogan 'Proletarians of all countries, unite!', though it retained a reference to its founding by V.I. Lenin in 1912. The editorial staff, led by new chief editor Gennadiy Seleznev, addressed readers to explain the newspaper's survival and its intent to operate as an independent entity focused on civil harmony and democratic transformation. The document highlights that the newspaper is currently facing significant financial difficulties and is seeking support. Content-wise, the 31 August issue focuses heavily on the recent coup in Moscow, featuring photographs and commentary on the event. The paper explicitly states it will cover a wide range of topics, including 'encounters with flying saucers' in its solicitation for original ideas from readers. The report concludes by noting that the newspaper is attempting to present a livelier format, incorporating reports from INTERFAX and REUTER, and that the intelligence unit will continue to monitor the publication.