GERMANY THANKS ARMENIA FOR RETURNING CULTURAL ASSETS.

German President Roman Herzog has addressed a message of gratitude to Armenian President Robert Kocharian for the return of German cultural assets held since World War II in Armenia. These assets–art works, old manuscripts and library collections–had been allocated by Moscow to the Armenian SSR from the Red Army’s loot in Germany. Terming the items “priceless,” Herzog wrote in his message that their restitution by Armenia “sets an example of how to solve the restitution issue, proving your commitment to the signed agreements”–an oblique allusion to Russia, which continues to hold the lion’s share of the plundered German treasures. Kocharian personally brought some of the items over during his recent visit to Bonn. Armenia’s neighbor Georgia has also returned the German assets. (Noyan-Tapan, July 21)

THREE NEW CONTRACTS FOR AZERBAIJANI OIL.