January 4, 1992

The Bush Administration, in a policy switch aimed at more quickly assisting the economic transformation of Russia and five other former Soviet republics, urged today that they be admitted to full membership in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Membership in the fund and the World Bank for Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia -- the former republics with which the United States is initially establishing diplomatic relations -- could allow them access to billions of dollars in development loans to help make the unsettling transition from a centralized to a free-market economy.

Palestinians May Avoid Talks Palestinian negotiators said they had suspended plans to attend peace talks as a protest against Israel's decision to expel 12 Palestinians. Page 3. U.N. Action on Libya Sought Before seeking sanctions, the United States and two allies will ask the United Nations to tell Libya to extradite two bombing suspects. Page 2. Fighting Eases in Yugoslavia Fighting in Yugoslavia between Serbs and Croats appeared to abate as the deadline for ending hostilities under a cease-fire arrived. Page 3. Weapons Plant Halted Again A radioactive leak from the Savannah River weapons plant has caused an indefinite delay in restarting a nuclear reactor. Page 6. Judith Anderson Dies at 93 The Australian-born actress was best known for her "Medea" on Broadway in 1947 and for the 1940 film "Rebecca." Page 27.

Saying that he wanted to send a strong signal to those who carry out "wolfpack" attacks in New York City, a state judge yesterday sentenced each of the four defendants convicted in the murder of Brian Watkins to the maximum of 25 years to life in prison. "Make no mistake, we must come to grips with these marauding gangs," the judge, Justice Edwin Torres of State Supreme Court in Manhattan, said.

As a former church organist, authorities say, Oather James Blocker knew his way around churches better than most people. He knew where the chalices, trays and incense holders were kept. He knew when nobody was likely to be around. He even knew where the burglar alarms were.

The stock market's rally continued unabated, pushing the Dow Jones industrial average through the 3,200 level for the first time and giving it its sixth straight record. Only a week after passing 3,100, the Dow ended at 3,201.48, up 29.07 points. It was the Dow's 11th consecutive rise. Business Day, page 33.