UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENT AGAIN SNUBS FOREIGN INVESTORS.

The Ukrainian parliament yesterday rejected a government bill to preserve a two-year tax break for foreign companies investing in Ukraine. The bill had sought to offset partially the parliament’s April cancellation of tax and tariff advantages previously available to foreign investors. Deputy Prime Minister Serhy Tyhypko, responsible for economic reforms, warned that yesterday’s vote would "horrify" investors. Ideological considerations of the left and protectionist interests of the center combined on both votes. (AP, Ukrainian agencies, June 12)

Azerbaijan Tries New Negotiating Strategy on Oil Contracts.