MOSCOW BACKS PLAN TO MERGE RUSSIAN, KAZAKH OIL FIRMS.

TheRussian fuel and energy ministry is backing an initiative by theRussian state oil company ONAKO to merge with the Kazakh oil firmAMG, PIA-Interfax reported July 31. The new firm, a Russian-Kazakhconglomerate, would give Moscow additional leverage on Almatyconcerning the routing of any pipeline carrying Kazakh oil tothe West.

300 Kilograms of Opium Seized at Afghan Border.