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                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                         Washington, D.C.

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
RELEASE NO. 37819 /October 15, 1996

     The Securities and Exchange Commission today ordered the
temporary suspension, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), of trading in the
securities of Novatek International, Inc. ("Novatek"), beginning
9:30 a.m. EDT, on October 15, 1996 and concluding 11:59 p.m. EDT,
on October 28, 1996.

     The Commission ordered this trading suspension because of
questions raised as to the adequacy and accuracy of publicly-
disseminated information concerning Novatek.  This information
concerns, among other things, Novatek's financial condition,
including the valuation of certain assets reported on Novatek's
financial statements.  The Commission determined that the public
interest and the protection of investors requires a suspension of
trading in Novatek securities.

     The Commission cautions broker-dealers, shareholders, and
prospective purchasers that they should carefully consider the
foregoing information along with all other currently available
information and any information subsequently issued by the
company.

     Further, brokers and dealers should be alert to the fact
that, pursuant to Rule 15c2-11 under the Exchange Act, at the
termination of the trading suspension, no quotation may be
entered unless and until they have strictly complied with all of
the provisions of the rule.  If any broker or dealer has any
questions as to whether or not it has complied with the rule, it
should not enter any quotation but immediately contact the staff
of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.  If
any broker or dealer is uncertain as to what is required by Rule
15c2-11, it should refrain from entering quotations relating to
the securities of Novatek until such time as it has familiarized
itself with the rule and is certain that all of its provisions
have been met.  If any broker or dealer enters any quotation
which is in violation of the rule, the Commission will consider
the need for prompt enforcement action.

     The Commission acknowledges the assistance of the National
Association of Securities Dealers in this matter.