NEW STATE PRIZE FOR WEAPONS DESIGNERS.

Russia may not be able to pay its soldiers and workers in arms factories, but it is going to award a cash bonus each year to outstanding weapons designers. Named after Marshal Georgy Zhukov, the prize will amount to 1,500 times the minimum wage. Candidates can be nominated only after their work has been tested in production or put into service. (Itar-Tass, 29 October)

Russia, Iran Sponsor Regional Conference on Afghan Settlement.