List of agreements between two states, two blocs or a bloc and a state. Manafort was instrumental in creating a new political party called Opposition Bloc. As relations continued to deteriorate Noriega started to ally with the Eastern Bloc. Initial reaction within the Communist Bloc was mixed. The invasion led to public protests by dissidents in various Eastern Bloc countries. It began to develop along lines similar to other Communist parties in the Soviet bloc. Countries in the Soviet Bloc made emigration difficult. The pioneering boom formed ethnic bloc settlements. Samizdat was a key form of dissident activity across the Soviet bloc. It was aimed for economic autarky within the Eastern Bloc. The trading pattern of the Eastern Bloc countries was severely modified. The fragmentation of the liberal bloc helped consolidate its power. Both Bloc and Conservative officials denied Layton's accusations. Mass residential blocks were erected, with basic design typical of Eastern Bloc countries. Mass residential blocks were erected, with basic design typical of Eastern bloc countries.