CUBAN MINISTER ENDS MOSCOW VISIT.

Cuban Foreign Minister Robaina Gonzalez yesterday completed a relatively low-profile visit to Moscow that began on March 23 and was devoted primarily to boosting economic ties between the two countries. During his stay, Gonzalez met with the chairmen of Russia’s two houses of parliament and held talks, on March 23, with Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov. Following those talks the two sides held a consular convention.

In remarks to reporters after his talks with Gonzalez, Primakov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to facilitate a normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States. He also indicated Moscow’s intention to work for a gradual end to sanctions imposed on Cuba and applauded what he said was Havana’s gradual emergence from international isolation. Primakov said that Moscow wants improved ties with Cuba, but suggested that relations between the two countries are unlikely ever to be as close as they were during the Soviet period. (Russian agencies, March 23-26)

Dagestani Parliament Amends Constitution.