RUSSIA RESTORES ECONOMIC TIES WITH LIBYA.

In yet anotherindication that Moscow hopes to gain support from pariah statesaround the world, Russian and Libyan negotiators have agreed torestore economic ties between the two countries, Izvestiyareported July 29. Libya has assumed responsibility for therepayment of its Soviet-era debts to Moscow and has agreed togive Russian companies contracts worth $1.5-2 billion to constructenergy infrastructure.

Russia to Keep Vietnam Naval Base.