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Cossacks from around Primorye and Kamchatka recently received formal permission to become a part of the federal administration under a decree from President Yeltsin.

In a July 26 ceremony, the Ussury Cossacks accepted a registry certificate granting the group more powers in border areas. They are the seventh of 12 groups around the country registered on Russia's Roll of Cossack Hosts since the president's June 17 decree strengthening federal control over the groups.

"Now Cossacks may demand public service, take over abandoned military bases or own land along borders," said Taras Moskalenko, chief of staff for Ussury host. (A "host" is a Cossack term for its regional militias.)

Cossacks are groups which historically protected Russian borders in critical times. They also worked as farmers, especially in river valleys.

"The moment of responsibility before the state and the president has come," said Igor Agarkov, deputy chief of the Main Department for Cossack Hosts.

The Ussury host numbers 11,191 Cossacks. This breaks down into 5,140 in Primorye and 6,051 in Kamchatka. Some Cossacks have been on public service like being a soldier, ranger or people serving on anti-crime street patrols. Under the decree, about one third, or 3,866, want to be on public service. Cossacks are allowed to wear sabers. When on duty, they may also have hunting guns, the types determined by the Russian law.

The Ussury host headquartered in Vladivostok is the largest one in Russia, covering six regions: Primorye, Kamchatka, Sakhalin and Magadan oblasts and two others. However, only Primorye and Kamchatka branches were registered as having all the proper documents. The rest will come onboard soon, Moskalenko said.

The Ussury host was created in 1889 and disbanded with the advent of communism in 1922. The tradition of farmers and warriors emerged again on Primorye land in 1990. Now, however, they emphasize their warrior role more prominently.

"The fact that you will not give away a single inch of land, like the Terek Cossacks in the Northern Caucasus, unites us as Cossacks," said Igor Agarkov at the Council of Chiefs July 25, the day before the ceremony accepting the decree.

The local host is proud of a battalion that they formed in the Pacific Fleet marines division, a border outpost of Malinovaya manned with Ussury Cossacks.