Soviet Defector to Speak in Oxnard

Vladimir Sakharov, often called the key Soviet defector in the United States, and Ambassador Philip C. Habib, who has served four presidents, will be the featured guest speakers at a program presented May 9 by Ventura County National Bank in Oxnard Civic Auditorium.

The son of a KGB courier, Sakharov was a high-ranking Soviet diplomat prior to his defection. He is now one of the leading U.S. experts on Soviet policy objectives and intelligence gathering.

Habib has participated in many international peace negotiations. He is a 30-year diplomat whose negotiations with the late Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Menachem Begin of Israel cleared the way for the Camp David summit during the Carter Administration.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. event will be available to the public Tuesday. Prices are $15, $20 and $25 and include admission to a buffet reception honoring Sakharov and Habib following the program. For information, call (805) 656-4621.