FUNDING RUSSIA’S CASH-POOR MILITARY.

In remarks before a closed parliamentary hearing yesterday, Russian prime minister Viktor Chernomyrdin reportedly recommended a special tax to raise money for Russia’s under-financed military forces. Chernomyrdin also suggested that a plan was being drafted to direct funds from Russian arms sales to the military. At the October 4 meeting of Russia’s Defense Council it was reportedly decided to earmark government funds specifically for the financing of military reform and reductions in forces. (Interfax, Itar-Tass, October 8)

Russia Gets Credit Rating.