KAZAKHSTAN CANCELS GOLD MINING CONTRACT WITH CANADIAN FIRM.

The government of Kazakhstan yesterday announced that it has canceled its contract with the Canadian company Central Asian Goldfields concerning the joint venture Gold Pools. Almaty holds the Canadian partner responsible for the venture’s declining output and mounting debts. It also disagrees with the Canadian company’s request to increase its share of stock in the joint venture. Formed in early 1996, the venture comprises three gold mines formerly run by Kazakhaltyn in northern Kazakhstan’s Akmola region. (International agencies, August 26)

Tajik Forum Postponed "Indefinitely."