ASTRAKHAN GETS DIRECT AIR LINK TO IRAN.

Astrakhan and Rasht,port cities of Russia and Iran, respectively, on opposite shoresof the Caspian Sea, have inaugurated regular direct weekly flightsbetween them, IRNA reported August 13. On August 2, the Astrakhanregion’s administration had publicly asked for authority to establishdirect economic relations with Iran without having to clear "everydetail" with Moscow.

Theft, Mismanagement Jeopardize Black Sea Fleet Partition.