16 February 2004 17:50
Russia to destroy chemical weapons on time despite shortfall of funds
Moscow, 16 February: Russia will comply with its obligations to destroy chemical weapons, Sergey Mironov, speaker of
the Federation Council, has said with confidence. At a news conference today he commented on a report which claimed that
there is a R12bn shortfall of funds earmarked for the Russian programme for the destruction of chemical weapons until
2012. Mironov emphasized that in his capacity of permanent member of the Security Council he "understands the
algorithm" of events. "There is, indeed, a problem with funding but Russia is fulfilling and will fulfil its
obligations," he said.
The head of "the chamber of regions" recalled that clear-cut approaches to the problem had been drawn up in
all the six areas of Russia where the chemical weapons to be destroyed are stockpiled. Temporary destruction facilities
are being built in some areas while permanent ones are being built in others. "There are technologies which ensure
that the destruction of chemical weapons becomes safe and virtually accident-free," he said.
"Although the required amount of the funds has not been allocated from the Russian budget in full, I don't
think that Russia will fail to fulfil its obligations," Mironov emphasized.
[ITAR-TASS news agency] |
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