SOUTH KOREAN ARMY TO FIELD RUSSIAN-EQUIPPED UNIT.

The South Korean armed forces have decided to equip a motorized battalion with 30 Russian-made BMP-3 combat vehicles and with other Russian weaponry, Defense Ministry officials announced in Seoul on September 17. The decision, which is connected to a deal whereby Russia is supplying South Korea with military hardware in repayment of debts owed to Seoul, comes as South Korean authorities are reported to be interested in purchasing an array of Russian weapons systems. Seoul has been a traditional customer of U.S. military suppliers. (AP, Itar-Tass, September 17)

U.S. and Russia Reach Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.