LOOKING UP:

Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Maslyukov told a visiting delegation from the International Monetary Fund that the economy grew 3.1 percent per month in the fourth quarter of 1998. Maslyukov explained that devaluation pushed imports out of the market, and domestic production expanded to fill the gap. Maslyukov told members of the Duma that IMF aid will be forthcoming later in the year, after the budget is in place and further negotiations have been held. The Duma passed the budget on its third reading January 29, and is expected to give it overwhelming approval on the fourth and final vote February 4. Only one vote is needed in the Federation Council, and that is expected on February 10.