GEORGIA DROPS BID FOR PART OF BLACK SEA FLEET.

Georgian defense minister Vardiko Nadibaidze said on Saturday in Kiev that his country is no longer insisting that it be given part of the former Soviet Black Sea Fleet. He said that Georgia is entitled to some of the ships and does not rule out the possibility that it will raise the issue in the future. Nadibaidze added that he hopes Ukraine will continue to help Georgia form its own fleet. (Ukrainian agencies, August 23)

Russia’s Economic Stagnation Continues.