World IN BRIEF : SOVIET UNION : Top General in Germany Is Fired

The commander in chief of Soviet troops in what was East Germany was fired after two senior officers deserted and stole missiles and other armaments, the government newspaper Izvestia reported. Gen. Boris Snetkov lost his command after the desertions of Lt. Col. M. Kolesnikov, a regimental commander, and Capt. G. Moiseyenko, leader of a supply unit, Izvestia said. Col. Anatoly Korotkov of the military procurator’s office said two missiles, three tank shells and other armaments are missing. He said the army has begun a criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Izvestia reported that 145 Soviet service personnel are wanted for desertion and that 49 have sought political asylum. All Soviet troops are to be withdrawn from Germany by 1994.