RUSSIA MAINTAINS LOW INFLATION.

According to official government statistics, consumer prices grew in Russia in September by 0.3 percent (in August, prices fell by 0.2 percent). Prices of foodstuffs (especially fruit and vegetables) fell 0.5 percent, though last month’s fall was less than in August, when food prices dropped 1.7 percent. If this trend is maintained, the inflation rate by the end of this year could be as low as 17.7 percent (compared with 131 percent in 1995). The government hopes that will facilitate a fall in interest rates that will in turn encourage investment in Russian industries. (Interfax, October 3)

RUSSIAN-INHABITED DISTRICTS WANT TO LEAVE CHECHNYA.