RUSSIA PUTS NEW LIMITS ON VISAS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONARIES.

Foreign religious organizations carrying out missionary work in Russia are complaining that, under new government regulations, foreign missionaries are being given visas valid for only three months. They are also required to leave the country four times per year to obtain renewals. (AP, August 6) Most other foreigners in Russia can have their visas renewed for a year without leaving the country.

Some see the new regulations as inspired by the controversial law on religion adopted last year in Russia. Foreign religious groups say that the regulations will further complicate the work of foreign missionaries and churches, and involve them in additional expense. Russia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday rejected the complaints, saying Russia’s practice was not inconsistent with that of other countries. (AP, August 6)

MOSCOW IN THICK OF LATEST IRAQ CONFLICT.