Press Review

		Izvestia Kommersant Vedomosti Vedomosti. Companies and Markets Rossiiskaya Gazeta Argumenty i Fakty Trud Krasnaya Zvezda Komsomolskaya Pravda Moskovsky Komsomolets

Izvestia
www.izvestia.ru

According to a report presented Tuesday at the conference "Safety in the Family," domestic violence in Russia leaves an estimated 14,000 women and 2,000 children dead every year. Specialists say that the situation could worsen is state authorities fail to take urgent measures. A story comments on the problem of domestic violence in Russia. (1,2, 16)

Mayor Yury Luzhkov is expected to sign off on a draft decree allowing GAI officers to fine drivers for violating parking and traffic regulations. The decree can take effect already this year. A story details the new document, which could come into effect as early as this year, and compares it with older regulations. (1, Gazeta, 4)

Saratov prosecutors have launched a criminal case into a case of fraud that has left thousands of Saratov residents penniless. The scheme promised victims of money to be earned by growing gladioli. A story gives details. (1,2, Vremya MN, 2)

Moscow doctors have begun using a new prevention method to combat the respiratory virus knows as SARS. A story describes the new strategy in detail, while commenting on a parallel initiative to install special infrared devices that measure the body temperature of travelers arriving at Moscow airports and railway terminals. (2, Gazeta, 4, Vremya Novostei, 6, Vremya MN, 2, Komsomolskaya Pravda, Zdorovye Supplement, 1, MK, 1,2)

A story reports on the results of the first Moscow session of the Russia-NATO Council. In addition to attending Tuesday's session, NATO Secretary -General George Robertson also met with Vladimir Putin. (3, Kommersant, 10, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 1,5, Krasnaya Zvezda, 1, Vremya Novostei, 3, Vremya MN, 1, 6, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 6)

On Tuesday Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov met with President Vladimir Putin o present a report concerning the integration of former tax police staff into his ministry. Brief. (3, Vremya Novostei, 4)

On Tuesday the State Duma Council rescheduled the next Duma session to May 15, the same day when President Putin is expected to deliver his annual state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly. Brief. (3)

First Lady Lyudmila Putina and Armenia's First Lady Bella Kocharyan spent Tuesday visiting Matenadaran, a depository of ancient manuscripts. Brief. (3, Nezavaisimaya Gazeta, 5, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 4)

President Vladimir Putin has submitted a draft bill to the State Duma concerning the replacement of the armed forces' standard. A story comments on the draft, while describing the appearance of the new standard. (3, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 3)

Ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's arrival in Moscow, President Putin met with State Duma faction leaders to discuss foreign policy issues, in particular their attitude to the ratification of the Agreement on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Potentials. A story comments on results of the meeting. (3, Kommersant, 2, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 3, Gazeta, 3, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 4)

Three suicide bombing were carried out early Tuesday morning in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. The terrorist act, which occurred hours before the arrival of U.S. Secretary Colin Powell, left at least 10 Americans dead. Washington has already came out with an announcement implicating Al-Qaida in the act. A story gives details. (4,Kommersant, 9, Gazeta, 5, Vremya MN, 6, Vremya Novostei, 2, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 5)

Pyongyang has once again accused the United States of aggravating the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula. The North Korean leadership stated that it would increase the country's military potential to such an extent that it will be able to destroy the enemy with one strike. Brief. (4, Gazeta, 5)

A group of Russian emigres, including former human rights activists, has applied to U.S. President George W. Bush with a proposal asking the United States to consider Russia a totalitarian state, much like Iraq. The proposal includes a clause that invites U.S. to forcibly bring about a regime change in Russia. A story comments on the proposal. (4)

On Thursday the government is expected to sum up the results of its 2-year efforts to lower administrative barriers in the economy. The Economic Development and Trade Ministry prepared a series of draft proposals in 2001 that envisioned a reduction of bureaucratic restraints in the domestic economy. Unfortunately, these proposals have yet to be fully implemented because the government doesn't know where to begin the initiative. A story comments on this acute problem. (5, Kommersant, 2, Vremya MN, 1,2, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 3)

The Federation Council on Tuesday discussed a proposal put forward by State Duma centrist factions to introduce an amendment to the law concerning the regulation of tariffs on electrical and heating energy. The amendment would oblige the regional energy commissions to consult the Federal Energy Commission when making changes to their respective energy policies. Several experts share their views on the proposal. (5, Kommersant, 15

Aeroflot and Czech Airlines will launch joint Moscow-Prague flights starting June 1. Representatives of each airline met Tuesday at the Czech Embassy in Moscow to sign the agreement. Brief. (5)

Italian automaker Fiat announced first quarter losses of 681 million euros ($784 million). Brief. (5)

The Central Bank has met with unexpected difficulties in selling Russian state-controlled banks abroad. A story details the problem. (6)

The Megafon-Finans company, a 100 percent subsidiary of Megafon, has informed the Federal Securities Commission of its intention to issue a 1.5 billion-ruble bond. Brief. (6)

At the end Tuesday's trading on the Moscow Inter-Bank Currency Exchange the ruble stabilized in relation to thew dollar at a rate of 30.98. Brief. (6)

On Tuesday the U.S. Embassy in Moscow held a special ceremony to introduce the new 20-dollar banknote. The new bill is to be put into circulation in several months. A story describes the banknote. (6, Kommersant, 8, Gazeta, 13, Vremya Novostei, 2, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 4)

The Fitch Agency has raised Russia's long-term rating from BB- to BB+. The country's short-term rating remains unchanged at B. Three experts comment on the upgrade. (6, Kommersant, 1, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 3)

Four experts believe that Gazprom may lose its position on the European gas market due to its conservative position. A story details the possible scenario. (7)

On Tuesday Russian diamond monopoly Alrosa announced its intention begin work on the second stage of a project to construct an enriching factory on the Angolan Katoka diamond deposit. A story details Alrosa's plans. (7)

Alisher Usmanov's Gallagher Holdings Ltd has acquired more than 5 percent in European steel giant Corus Group. A story examines the purchase, and cites the opinions of two experts. (7, Kommersant, 16)

A story takes a featured look at the 15th Svyaz-Expocomm Exhibition, which has attracted more than 900 participants. (8)

A story comments on the results of Moscow City Hall's comprehensive check into the state of the city's cellular networks. (9)

A road accident near Mineralniye Vody on Tuesday killed 3 TV Vesti program correspondents and one Rossiiskaya Gazeta reporter. A brief gives their names. (10, Kommersant, 6, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 1,2, Gazeta, 6, Vremya MN, 2, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 1,2, MK, 2)

Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday suspended the search for those who perished in the Karmadon tunnel. (10, Kommersant, 6, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 2, Vremya Novostei, 1,2)

In an interview, world-renown Soviet scientist Sergei Kapitsa speaks about the role of science in the fate of humankind. Kapitsa also explains his new interest in demographics. (11)

Kommersant
www.kommersant.ru

Sunday's bombing in the Chechen village of Znamenskoye has left 55 dead and injured another 197 people. A story comments on the latest reports to come to light. (1,5, Gazeta, 1,6, Vremya Novostei, 2,

On Tuesday Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov called on his ministers to step up their efforts in conducting electrical energy reform. Kasyanov also asked his subordinates to work more effectively with State Duma deputies in implementing a plan for tax reform. A story examines the decisions taken at the session. (2)

On Tuesday the Constitutional Court launched an investigation into the legality of a moratorium on referendums. A story examines factors that have caused this check-up. (3, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 3, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 2)

Bashkiria's President Murtaza Rakhimov has signed a decree to establish a new power body that is to be called the Council of the Republic. A story examines its duties. (3)

A story examines SPS co-leader Irina Khakamada's reaction to Boris Berezovsky's recent statement on a possible alliance between Liberal Russia and the Union of Right Forces. (3)

On Tuesday the State Duma discussed federal draft bills concerning alternative civil service. A story describes the discussion, and comments on several of the viewpoints expressed at the session. (4)

On Friday the London Magistrate Court decided to resume hearings into the extradition case of exiled Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky in October. Berezovsky appeared pleased with the decision. (4)

State Sports Committee head Vyacheslav Fetisov and 7TV Channel President Alexander Besputin signed an cooperation and partnership agreement Tuesday to promote both domestic sports and a healthy lifestyle. A story comments on the document. (4)

On Tuesday Alfa Group, one of Russia's leading domestic financial consortiums, announced the creation of the Gamma-Film company that will deal with distributing made for television films and serials. A story describes the new company. (13)

The Moscow government on Tuesday established the going rate for land in the city at 9,600 rubles per meter. A story describes how Moscow authorities have calculated this price. (1,15, Gazeta, 1, 10, Vremya Novostei, 3)

National Reserve Bank head Alexander Lebedev stated Tuesday that he intends resign from his post after resolving an ongoing problem with French Credit Agricole Indosuez. A story comments on his statement. (14)

A story examines a draft of Almazny Mir's annual operational report and comments on the reasons behind its conflict with the Alrosa diamond monopoly. (14)

A story describes a project to install sixty Internet-pay-phones in Moscow in the next several months. (17, MK, 2)

Vedomosti
www.vedomosti.ru

A story gives details of an agreement signed by the National Reserve Bank and French Credit Agricole Indosuez, which has put an end to their 4-year high-profile conflict. (A1)

A draft bill being read in the second reading in the State Duma will oblige the Tax Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the State Customs Committee and several other departments to pay a special fee when applying to the court system. The Tax Ministry has said that it will incur losses of 3 billion rubles a year as a result of the proposed legislation. (A1)

Alfa-Bank has its sights set on the cinema business, and has bought out the rights to 740 hours of popular television serials from companies controlled by entrepreneur Vladimir Gusinsky. Alfa-Bank has transferred the rights to the television programs to such television channels as Pervy Kanal (former ORT), Rossiya and CTC. (A1)

On account of the atypical pneumonia-like virus known as SARS, Russia intends to halve the number of check-points on its border with China while decreasing the number of crossing on the border with Mongolia by 5 times. A corresponding draft decree will be discussed at a government session on Thursday. Brief. (A1)

About 12 percent of all dollars released in the United States are now circulating in Russia. Brief. (A1)

A story comments on the reasons why the number of convicts in the Russian prison system has again begun to grow. (A2)

The Economic Development and Trade Ministry has announced that its former arguments in favor of canceling a tolling system were erroneous. The Commission on Protective Measures in Foreign Trade is expected to decide the fate of the tolling system in mid-June. (A3

A story elaborates on a decision taken by the European Central Bank to lower interest rates. (A3)

A ruling by the European Court in Luxembourg has declared that governmental ownership in strategic national companies contradicts the principles of the European Union. The court's ruling concerned the ownership of both the British and Spanish governments in five private companies. (A3)

Despite the fact that it controls only about 4 percent of the domestic beer market, Ivan Taranov Breweries (PIT) has established itself as a leader in the creation of beer advertisement. In an interview, Yevgeny Kashper, head of the PIT Overseeing Council, explains the origin of his company's name and elaborates on its place on the domestic beer market. Kashper also talks about the PIT distribution system. (A5)

Vedomosti. Companies and Markets& MARKETS SUPPLEMENT

On Wednesday the LANIT computer holding is expected to officially announce its acquisition of the DPI group. A story cites the opinions of LANIT President Georgy Gens in regards to the deal. (B1)

The Planeta Group, which was created by former Sibneft managers, is preparing to issue a 3 billion-ruble bond to finance the purchase of new assets. (B1)

Sibneft has completed the deal to sell Orenburg assets to the Tyumen Oil Company (TNK) for $825 million, $700 million of which will be spent on clearing off the old debts. Analysts are sure that Sibneft wants to cut its debt ahead of its merger with Yukos. (B1)

The Moscow Land Committee on May 7 lodged a suit in the Moscow Arbitration Court to declaring the Moskvich auto plant bankrupt. The suit will be considered on June 11. Brief. (B1)

The National Reserve Bank (NRB) has announced that it has increased its share in Aeroflot up to 28 percent. Brief. (B1)

A story explains why shareholders in automaker AvtoVAZ still have chances to receive dividends for 2002. (B2)

US Airways is to order 170 regional planes in a deal worth an estimated $4.3 billion. (B2)

The American Marathon Oil Corporation company on Tuesday completed the deal to absorb Khanty Mansiisk Oil Corporation for $275 million. (B3)

The International Energy Agency on Tuesday predicted that spread of the atypical pneumonia virus known as SARS will cause demand for oil to slow in 2003. (B3)

Rossiiskaya Gazeta
www.rg.ru

In an interview on the eve of his departure for a Russia-NATO Council in Brussels, General Chief of Staff Anatoly Kvashnin insists that military reform should be the responsibility of not only the country's military specialists but also of the country's leadership. Kvashnin goes on to outline the majors tasks involved in reforming the Russian armed forces. (1, 5)

Ruhrgas board member Ahim Middelschulte and Russian Culture Minister Mikhail Shvydkoi presented the restored Amber Room at Tsarskoye Selo to reporters on Tuesday. A story describes the ceremony and comments on a document signed between Ruhrgas and Russia concerning Russian-German relations. (2)

Denis Blair, deputy representative of the UN High Commission on Refugees in Russia, stated that if Russia refuses to uphold the rights of its citizens in Turkmenistan, the UN would have to provide them with international protection. Blair made the statement in light of the repeal of double citizenship in Turkmenistan. (2)

President Putin is expected to deliver his annual state of the nation address to the Federal Assembly on Friday May 16. Four authoritative political experts share their views what issues should be prioritized in the speech. (3)

Argumenty i Fakty
www.aif.ru

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to Moscow is the U.S. administration's last attempt to gain Russia's support on two key issues. A story examines them in detail. (2)

Since taking over the post of presidential representative to the North-Western Federal District, former Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko has taken an active part in St. Petersburg's preparations for its 300th jubilee celebrations. In a far-ranging interview, she speaks about the occasion in detail. (3)

A draft bill envisaging a radical overhaul of the Interior Ministry has been submitted to the State Duma. A story comments on the details of the proposal, which would divide the Interior Ministry into three large parts. (4)

Mikhail Orlov, head of the Economic Development Ministry's Tax Policy Department, said state control over individual expenses could be abolished by the middle of 2003. A story comments on the significance of the statement. (6)

The small provincial city of Vlagoveshchensk has gained nationwide notoriety on account of 25-year-old businessman Denis Soinikov, Russia's first suspected SARS patient staying in a local hospital. A story describes what precautions doctors are taking so as to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. (6)

In an interview, Academic of the Academy of Medical Sciences Sergei Kolesnikov speaks about the origins of the atypical pneumonia-like virus commonly known as SARS. (7, 10, MK, 1)

A feature story describes the conditions of soldiers living in a remote town in the Kaluga region, where they receive neither their wages (100 rubles a month) nor parcels from their parents. (8)

Moscow's Chief Sanitary Physician Nikolai Filatov has signed a special decree aimed at stopping the spread of the SARS in the Russian capital. A story lists several of the measures currently being implemented. Moskva Supplement. (2)

In an interview Moscow's Chief Architect Alexander Kuzmin elaborates on the various architectural styles in the Russian capital. Moskva Supplement. (5)

Trud
www.trud.ru

Cabinet is expected to discuss a proposal aimed at reducing extremism and intolerance at its next session on May 15. In October 1999, then Prime Minister Vladimir Putin instructed his subordinates to develop a special program to deal with the problem, which was endorsed in August 2001. Thursday's government session evaluate the implementation of the program. (1,2)

An inter-planetary cosmodrome has been found in the foothills of the North Caucasus. Local residents and UFO specialists are sure that UFOs land in this place. A story describes the interesting site in detail. (8)

Krasnaya Zvezda

Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov took part in Tuesday's Russia-NATO Council session in Moscow. A story comments on the session's results, focusing on Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov's impressions. (1)

Komsomolskaya Pravda
www.kp.ru

Deputy Economic Development Minister Mikhail Dmitriyev shed light Tuesday on upcoming attempts to reform Russia's bloated bureaucracy. According to a draft that will be discussed by the government tomorrow, about 33 percent of state bureaucrats will likely find themselves out of work if the reforms are pushed through. (4)

A story tries to explain why military reform remains stalled despite much talk from the government and lawmakers. (5)

On Wednesday the UN Security Council is expected to begin consideration of a new resolution on Iraq submitted by the United States, Britain and Spain. A story examines the draft document. (5)

In an interview Oksana Dmitriyeva, deputy head of the State Duma Budget and Tax Committee, strongly doubts that the accumulative system pension system currently being used will stand the test of time. (10)

A story comments on the government's endorsement of new regulations obliging drivers to purchase auto insurance. As of July 1 all vehicles on the road are supposed to be insured. (12)

The 56th International Cannes Film Festival opens on Wednesday. A story describes this event, which is said to be the world's most prestigious festival, and comments on the Russian films expected to be screened. (16)

Moskovsky Komsomolets
www.mk.ru

Lyubov Kezina, head of the Moscow Education Department, spoke at a municipal government session on Tuesday about how premises of city secondary technical schools are being sold to commercial structures. Kezina accused both federal authorities and school administrators of abuse of power. A story gives concrete facts. (1,2)

About 500 OMON officers will be brought up to St. Petersburg from Moscow to ensure that law and order is kept during the city's 300th jubilee celebrations. (2)

One thousand foreigners from 114 countries will gather in the Trade Unions Column Hall on Wednesday to take part in the International Forum of Foreign Graduates of Soviet and Russian Institutes and Universities. A story introduces several such graduates. (2)

A story explains why the euro poses a greater threat to the United States than such characters as Osama (bin Laden) and Saddam (Hussein). (3)