CORRUPT AZERBAIJANI OFFICIALS ARRESTED.

Col. Adil Ismailov, until recently head of the investigative department of the Baku police, along with the chief prosecutor and deputy prosecutor of Beylagan district, were arrested this week on criminal charges of extortion, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Human rights groups additionally accuse Ismailov of rape and use of torture and have called for legal action against him. Local observers expect more arrests of corrupt and brutal law enforcement officials as part of a cleanup encouraged by Western representatives. (Turan, August 20-21)

Russian Government Approves 1998 Budget.