MOSCOW ODD MAN OUT ON MACEDONIAN PEACEKEEPING.

Russia found itself isolated in the UN Security Council yesterday as its objections were ignored and the mandate for UN troops in Macedonia was extended another six months. The vote was 14-0, with Russia abstaining. Moscow objected that the mission, comprised mainly of U.S. troops, was too large and expensive. Russia reportedly wants more funding for peacekeeping activities to be devoted to building a larger UN presence in Central Asia. (Reuter, May 30)

Progress in Russo-Chinese Nuclear Project.