NEW AGENCY TO OVERSEE DEFENSE FINANCING

. Russian prime minister Viktor Chernomyrdin has ordered the creation of a commission to coordinate government activities related to the financing of Russia’s army and other power ministries. To be headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Potanin, the commission is also to analyze the budgetary requests submitted by these ministries. Among the members of the new commission are Deputy Defense Minister Andrei Kokoshin and Defense Industry Minister Zinovy Pak. (Interfax, September 28) Chernomyrdin’s order comes amid a growing payments crisis in the power ministries.

Malaysian Leader Condemns Moscow for Bloodshed in Chechnya.