MODEST RUSSIAN SPACE GOALS FOR 1997.

Russia hopes to launch 28 civilian spacecraft this year, including 20 foreign ones. Two manned space missions are planned, each carrying crews to the orbiting Mir space station. Other highlights include the first launches from the new Svobodny launch site in the Far East and the launching of the first element of the Alpha international space station. Only 10 military satellite launches are planned, equaling the number launched last year and representing a drastic drop from previous years. (Interfax, January 4)

Russia Balks at U.S. Plan to Remove Fissile Material from Georgia.