RUSSIAN-SWEDISH TALKS.

Following talks with his Swedish counterpart, Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov described bilateral relations as "steady" and commended Sweden for what he described as its "consistent non-involvement in any blocs" and its status as "a neutral state." He also lobbied for Swedish support in protecting ethnic Russians from alleged abuses in the Baltic States. Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin is to visit Sweden May 2-4. (Itar-Tass, March 28)

Moscow to Arbitrate Moldova Settlement.