NEWS IN BRIEF

Loan for National Radio Communication System The Ukrspetseksport (Ukrainian Special Exports, i.e., which has the monopoly in Ukrainian arms sales - Ed.) State Enterprise is to attract up to 705 million French francs (about $114 million) to set up a national system of mobile confidential radio communications. As a well-informed source informed Interfax-Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers has recently decided to seek a loan to establish this type of telecommunications. The funds will be extended against state guarantees by the Credit Agricole Indosuez Bank (France) as part of an existing French credit line, with a grace period of seven years. The communication system will be based on the Tetrapol standard of digital trunking radio communication developed by the French Matra Nortel Communication Company. The Zaporizhzhia-based state-run Radioprylad (Radio Equipment) Enterprise has been appointed the main contractor to set up the system.

Cigarette Output Falls The output of cigarettes in Ukraine is dropping due to increased imports of cheap cigarettes onto the Ukrainian market, including from Russia and Moldova. 4128.9 million cigarettes were produced in April, 1038 million down on the April 1988 figure, Ukrainski novyny reports. There are no exact data on smuggled cigarettes, but experts think that contraband cigarettes now account for 25-30% of those on sale. Annual Ukrainian cigarette market demand is currently estimated 75 billion cigarettes.