Both Godunov and Mikhail Gorbachev emerged as progressive and reform-minded leaders.

His death immediately preceded the ouster, by party collaborationists, of Alexander Dubcek, the reform-minded leader.

The previous speaker, Gifford Miller, had also sought to portray himself as a reform-minded leader, but his efforts dissipated shortly after taking office.

The new Emir of Qatar, who is 47 years old, has proven to be one of the Arab world's most reform-minded leaders.

But in promising to shake up the party, the repository of real power, he moved into an area that has frustrated reform-minded leaders in the past.

Since Friday's killings, calls for his resignation have multiplied, despite his reputation as a moderate and reform-minded leader.

Rather, it fell in a coup when reform-minded Communist leaders, including Mr. Mladenov, seized control of the government.

And for all of the country's woes, there are enough reform-minded leaders to help pull Russia through its crisis.

Maybe, as many Palestinians believe, Israel is trying to discredit and silence a popular reform-minded leader.

We established an atmosphere of safety in which responsible, reform-minded local leaders could build lasting institutions of freedom.