Avtandil Tsuladze Segodnya, March 5, 2001, p. 2
The German media cites Kursk International Foundation officials as saying the project is in jeopardy. The operation will cost $75 million. Most of the sum is to be raised by the European Union whose countries fear an ecological catastrophe and are ready to pay for their security. Russia does not provide $25 million, its part of the sum, citing problems with foreign debts.
Statement of the Kursk International Foundation makes an emphasis on the ecological aspect of the situation. Its officials say if the operation is not carried out as planned, corrosion may set in. Russian officials claim Kursk reactors are all right.
Demarche of the Kursk International Foundation may generate a new wave of speculations on whether or not Moscow plans to have the Kursk lifted. A sarcophagus may be constructed around the submarine. This project is considerably cheaper and only President Putin’s public promise seems to be standing in its way.
