Fired Russian Official Starting His Own Political Party

The brash former general who was ousted as security chief last month is forming his own political party, his spokesman said Thursday.

Alexander Lebed also might run for governor of the central Tula region, Alexander Barkhatov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

“A charter and a program of the party are being prepared,” Barkhatov said. “Lebed is meeting with businessmen and various politicians every day.”

Russian President Boris Yeltsin appointed Lebed security chief after the popular and ambitious former paratroop general finished a strong third in the first round of Russia’s presidential race last summer. He did not represent any organized political party.

Yeltsin fired Lebed on Oct. 17 after accusing him of plotting to seize power by force.

There was no evidence to back up the claim.

During a visit to the United States this month, Lebed said he was considering forming a political party.

He added that he was toying with the idea of running in Tula, where he spent a large part of his military career.

If elected, Lebed automatically would become a member of Parliament’s upper house.