International Outlook: GLOBAL WRAPUP

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Corruption is sullying capitalism's reputation in Eastern Europe. In Czechoslovakia, black marketers and former Communist officials have outbid honest entrepreneurs for dozens of former state companies put up for auction. Indignation at such hijinks is now so high that Parliament has passed a law requiring investors to show that the money they pay for companies is "clean." Trouble is, no one, including Finance Minister Vaclav Klaus, is quite sure how to distinguish a dirty koruna from a clean one.EDITED BY STANLEY REED