HALF OF RUSSIA’S OLD BANKNOTES REMOVED FROM CIRCULATION.

Half of the old banknotes and coins have already been removed from circulation. The process will be completed before May, Prime Minister Chernomyrdin said yesterday. (Itar-Tass, February 26) Russia redenominated the ruble on January 1, lopping three zeroes off the old rubles. The old notes will continue to be legal tender until the end of this year.

Dagestanis Protest Kidnappings.