Monday, Jun. 29, 1987

World Notes SOVIET UNION

Three weeks after West German Flyer Mathias Rust's daring touchdown outside the Kremlin, another Soviet air-defense official joined the list of the unemployed. Rust's flight was quickly followed by the ouster of Defense Minister Sergei Sokolov and Air Defense Chief Alexander Koldunov. Last week a report in Red Star, the Defense Ministry newspaper, announced the replacement of Marshal Anatoly Konstantinov, commanding officer of the Moscow air-defense district. Four high-ranking officers had been expelled from the Communist Party, Red Star added, and other party members would soon be asked to account for their "irresponsibility."

Pilot Rust, held in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison, was permitted to receive two visits from his parents Karl-Heinz and Monika Rust. At week's end, however, no quick resolution of his case was in sight; young Rust may still have to stand trial for violating Soviet airspace.