RUSSIA RECORDS FIRST MONTH OF NEGATIVE INFLATION.

The rate of inflation in Russia fell last month for the first time since market reforms were launched in 1992. According to government data, prices fell 0.2 percent in August, compared with a rise of 0.7 percent in July. The fall was due to a 1.7 percent drop in food prices, fruits and vegetables in particular. (Itar-Tass, September 3)

Lebed Returns to Chechnya.