RUSSO-JAPANESE TRADE TALKS.

A second round of talks aimed at boosting trade between Russia and Japan will be held in Tokyo on March 1, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said yesterday. They added that neither side is likely to raise a proposal made last year by Moscow for joint economic development of the four disputed Kurils Islands because Moscow has failed to follow that up with any specific initiatives. (Kyodo, February 25)

Following a week-long visit in Iran at the head of a Ukrainian government delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Kostyantin Hryshchenko reported yesterday that the talks had focused on trading Ukrainian large-capacity cranes, civilian aviation engines, hydropower turbines, railway cars and locomotives, and rolling mill equipment for Iranian oil. (Interfax-Ukraine, February 25) Earlier this month, Iran’s industry minister visited Kiev to discuss such exchanges. Ukraine desperately seeks reduced dependence on Russian fuels.

Uighur Militants Blamed in Bomb Attacks.