JAPAN TO BACK RUSSIAN G-7 MEMBERSHIP?

Citing the country’s Foreign Ministry, press reports out of Japan indicated yesterday that Tokyo is prepared to back Russia’s bid to become a full member of the Group of Seven (G-7) leading industrial nations. Japan had heretofore reacted coolly to the proposal, but, apparently under prodding from the U.S. and other G-7 members, will support the move at next month’s G-7 meeting in Denver. (UPI, Itar-Tass, May 19)

Russian "Space Tug" Ready.