RUSSIA WINS APEC MEMBERSHIP.

Russia was admitted on November 25 into the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation organization. The unanimous vote by APEC’s 18 member states took place last week in Vancouver during the organization’s annual summit meeting. Russian leaders applauded the decision, and Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov described it as confirmation of Russia’s high prestige in the international arena. Vietnam and Peru were admitted along with Russia. (International agencies, November 26-27; Xinhua, November 26)

Report Paints Dismal Picture of Russian Army.