WASHINGTON -- Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin held talks with Vice President Al Gore on cooperation to bolster Russia's ragged economy Wednesday, which are expected to include a $9 billion oil and gas deal. During the two days of talks Chernomyrdin and Gore are due to sign documents covering cooperation on space, energy, environment, nuclear reactors, science and technology. One of the most significant agreements being prepared was Russia's agreement to stop making weapons-grade plutonium at its nuclear generating stations, but U.S. officials suggested that one stumbling block remains -- the amount of compensation Russia will get to help convert to different power sources. The Russian Embassy scheduled a signing ceremony for Wednesday evening for a contract with a consortium of U.S. companies led by Marathon Oil Co to develop oil and gas reserves in Russia's Sakhalin Islands off its Pacific coast. The project, called Sakhalin-2, has an anticipated value of $9 billion. A senior U.S. official said U.S. investment in Russia to date totaled $1 billion, but would rise to $40 billion to $50 billion by the end of the decade.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our
Privacy Policy.
