MOSCOW AGAIN BACKS KARADZIC.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry reiterated yesterday that it would not participate in any operations aimed at isolating or arresting Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, or any other figure suspected of committing crimes in Bosnia. According to Vadim Lukov, Moscow believes IFOR forces lack a mandate for such operations. Russia also contends, he said, that Karadzic’s recent reelection as president of the dominant Serbian Democratic Party — objected to by Western leaders — is not sufficient grounds for derailing the broader peace process in the region. (Interfax, July 2)

Output Down at Converted Russian Defense Plants.