TAJIK TALKS IN ALMA-ATA MAKE LITTLE PROGRESS.

The major achievement of thetalks that began in the Kazakhstan capital May 22 between the Tajikgovernment and the Tajik opposition is that the talks took place. Accordingto Kazakhstan radio, the talks were delayed when the oppositionrepresentatives failed to show up. Once the talks opened, the oppositionleaders made it clear that they would settle for little less than theabdication of the government and the formation of a transition regime tosupervise new elections. The existing government is unlikely to agree.

Central Asians Expand Ties To The Middle East.