IRAN TO SET UP OIL COMPANIES FOR THE CAUCASUS.

Tehran willset up two new oil exploration companies, one in partnership withRussia and one in partnership with Azerbaijan, the BBC reportedAugust 3 citing Tehran radio. By making an arrangement with bothsides in the Caspian sea dispute, Iran is in a position to increaseits influence regardless of how the legal question of the statusof the body of water is resolved. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and Georgiasaid they would present plans for pipeline routes through Georgiaby the end of August, Baku media reported.

Uzbekistan Cuts Gas Deliveries to Tajikistan.