PRIMAKOV HEADS EAST.

Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov departed from Moscow yesterday for a nine-day trip to Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Japan, and China. In Tokyo Primakov and Japanese leaders are expected to discuss trade and economic cooperation; the disputed Kuril Islands will also be on the agenda. While in China from November 17-19 Primakov will help prepare for Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin’s planned visit next year. Discussion topics there may include military reductions along the Russo-Chinese border. (Reuter, November 11)

No NATO Application from Moscow.