SHEVARDNADZE RECUPERATES AFTER SUCCESSFUL SURGERY.

Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze yesterday underwent surgery to remove, according to two versions, either a medium-sized kidney stone or a prostate adenoma. German and Georgian doctors performed the surgery at the Tbilisi Military Hospital. The President’s chief spokesman, Vahtang Abashidze, described the surgery as minor and successful. (Russian agencies, July 16)

KURDASHI MULTINATIONAL OIL CONTRACT RATIFIED.