MOSCOW PREPARED TO SIGN PARTIAL BLACK SEA ACCORD.

Russianofficials are prepared to sign an accord with Iran andTurkmenistan on the protection of animal life in the BlackSea even if Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan refuse to do so,Kommersant-Daily reported June 23. This announcement isabout more than caviar: it is another move in the game toforce the two oil-producing countries to agree to Moscow’splans for pipeline routes through Russia.

Russian Commanders Denounce Tajik Government.