1.   Poland wants to become a more active participant in economic pacts with Southeast Asia, Prime Minister Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz said Saturday.

2.   Philip Mbithi was named executive secretary general of a secretariat to implement recent economic pacts by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

3.   Argentine President Carlos Menem immediately accused Brazil of violating the economic pact and threatened to boycott the summit.

4.   The economic pact and a companion treaty on political rights are meant to set basic standards for civil liberties.

5.   The economic pact calls for the two countries to share expertise and promote growth in agriculture, industry, banking and trade.

6.   Argentinian President Carlos Menem called Friday for more active participation in Southeast Asia by Mercosur countries as he witnessed the signing of several economic pacts with Malaysia.

7.   Chernomyrdin, the first Russian head of government to come to the Gulf, was due to discuss a draft economic pact with Oman before flying home late Thursday.

8.   China and Bangladesh have signed four economic pacts to boost cooperation and encourage investment, the China Daily reported Friday.

9.   Earlier this month, Kuwait signed a similar economic pact with Malaysia.

10.   During the visit, Turkey and Israel are expected to sign a series of bilateral economic pacts, including a free trade agreement.