Vitaly Denisov Krasnaya Zvezda, March 17, 2001
SUMMARY:
Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin says up to 500 million rubles and $30 million of budget money may be channelled into the operation in the Barents Sea.
The Duma adopted a resolution “On security of sailing for submarines” which stated that “… for a number of years already the Russian Federation has proposed adoption of international rules.” The United States, however, refuses even to discuss Russian initiatives. The Duma is of the opinion that an international accord in this sphere should become a top priority for the states whose navies include submarines, first and foremost the United States, Great Britain, Norway, Italy, France, and Japan.
On the other hand, safe sailing of submarines on combat duty is not the only pressing problem. Prevention of threats from nuclear submarines withdrawn from active duty is another task of paramount importance.
