RUSSIA REGISTERS NEGATIVE INFLATION.

According to Russian government figures, consumer price inflation for the week of 13-19 August was 0.1 percent. This is the first time Russia has recorded an actual fall in the price of consumer goods (as opposed to a decline in the rate of growth of prices) since market reforms were launched in 1992. (Interfax, August 21)

Moscow Anticipates Visits by Middle Eastern Leaders.