CHERNOMYRDIN REORGANIZES OIL COMPANIES.

Russian prime ministerViktor Chernomyrdin has signed a legislative package which simultaneously"increases the role of state capital" in the country’slargest oil companies and gives the largest oil firms such asLukoil greater control over oil fields and refineries, Russianradio reported August 17. In related developments, Chernomyrdinreported the creation of an International Oil Club of Moscow,and the Caspian Oil Pipeline International Consortium announcedthat in 1996 it would begin to build a new pipeline through Russiato carry Kazakh and Azerbaijani oil, Ostankino television saidAugust 14

Russian Government Sets Up State Committee for Small Businesses.