MOSCOW OPPOSES IRAQI SANCTIONS.

Russia and France found new diplomatic common ground late last week (see item below) when they joined together to oppose a U.S.-British effort to increase UN sanctions on Iraq. The move by Washington and London follows a recent report by the UN’s chief weapons inspector saying that Iraq is still refusing to disclose all information required by UN directives. The new sanctions would involve a ban on foreign travel by Iraqi military and intelligence officials. (AP, October 18)

No Japanese-Russian Fishing Agreement.