Press Review

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

Izvestia
www.izvestia.ru

The international human genome project has been completed ahead of time and under budget. A story comments on the significance of the breakthrough. (1,2, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 5, Gazeta, 2)

Russian mathematician Grigory Perelman has reportedly solved the Poincare Conjecture, an important math problem that has remained unsolved for ages. A story describes this discovery and its significance. (1,, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 5)

Retired Lt.-General Jay Garner has begun his tenure as head of the Iraqi interim administration by forming a new Iraqi government in Nasiryah on Tuesday. A story describes the process of building the new administration. (1,3, Gazeta, 5, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 6, Vremya MN, 7, Vremya Novostei, 5)



In an interview, Iraq's former Deputy Oil Minister and ex-OPEC Secretary General Fadyl Chalabi makes his predictions concerning the future of Iraq's oil industry. Chalabi now works as executive director of the London Center for Global Energy Studies. (1, Gazeta, 5)

An 8-room apartment once belonging to two-time Hero of the Soviet Union Konstantin Rokossovsky has been put up for sale for an estimated $1.5 million. A story describes the apartment and its present owners. (2)

Izvestia's editorial comments on the criminal case launched by the Federal Tax Police against the Spartak Football Club. The piece raises questions regarding the timing and motivation for the investigation. (2)

Vladimir Putin met with his Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Omsk on Tuesday to discuss mutual cooperation between the two countries. A story comments. (3, Kommersant, 2, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 1,4, Krasnaya Zvezda, 1, Gazeta, 4, Vremya MN, 1, Vremya Novostei, 1, Trud, 1,2, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 5, MK, 2

On Tuesday Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov met with the leaders of four centrist factions to discuss the army's upcoming transition to the contract system. A story details the topics raised at the meeting. (3, Vremya Novostei, 4)

A story speculates on the unknown fate of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and comments that the U.S.-led war cannot be considered over until his whereabouts are known. (4)

According to Associated Press, U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Margaret Tatuailer has been temporarily appointed head of the press department of Iraq's interim government. Brief. (4)

Australian Prime Minister John Howard has announced that his country will be responsible for the restructuring of Iraq's agricultural sector. Brief. (4)

A story describes the latest developments in Iraq. On Tuesday U.S. central command announced the completion of its military operation. (4, Krasnaya Zvezda, 3,Gazeta, 1,5,)

On April 23 the government is expected to make a final decision to lower taxes in 2004. A story comments on proposals drafted by the Economic Development and Trade and Finance Ministries. (5, Kommersant, 1, 2, Vremya Novostei, 4)

Unified Energy Systems announced that it will stop supplying electricity to those customers who still have outstanding debts with the national power grid. A story lists several of the debtors. (5)

On Tuesday Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov summed up results of Russia's economic development for the first quarter of 2003. A brief offers several figures complied by the State Statistics Committee. (5)

Gazprom deputy head Alexander Ryazanov requested the State Duma's Budget Committee to exclude the Prirazlomnoye gas deposit from amendments to the law concerning Production Sharing Agreements. Brief. (5, Kommersant, 15)

On Tuesday President Leonid Kuchma stated that Ukraine stands a very good chance of being admitted to the World Trade Organization by the end of 2004. Brief. (5)

A story looks at how The Russian Central Bank managed to change regulations governing hard currency deals at the Moscow Inter-Bank Currency Exchange. Alexei Strunilin, deputy director of the Impexbank Financial Operations Department offers some commentary. (6)

On Wednesday Alfa-Bank is expected to unveil Alfa-Bank Express, its new retail banking operation. (6)

The Finance Ministry is currently drafting a bill that would create a stabilization fund to protect the domestic economy from steep drops in world oil prices. The proposed fund would be able to cushion the domestic economy even if oil prices were to fall to a worst-case scenario low of $12 to $13 per barrel. Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin and three experts comment on the proposal. (7)

Five auto industry experts comment on a decision made by the Gorky and Ulyanovsk auto plants to shut down production for 14 days at the beginning of May. (7)

At a meeting with analysts on Tuesday, Surgutneftegaz head Vladimir Bogdanov rejected rumors about the emergence of a new strategic investor in the company. A story comments on his statement, offering an opinion by ATON analyst Timerbulat Karimov. (7)

Deutsche Telekom has sold a 5 percent stake in Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) to German investors for 20 million euros. Brief. (7, Kommersant, 13, 17)

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Credit Committee has agreed to release a $75 million credit to Transnefteprodukt. Brief. (7

The Mineral Resources Ministry and the Yakutian government have announced an auction for the right to exploit three diamond deposits in the Siberian republic. Brief. (7, Kommersant, 13)

Daimler-Chrysler's first quarter sales fell by 26.6 percent compared to figures for the same period last year. Brief. (7)

Several stories are devoted to the situation on the domestic communications market and its participants. (8)

A story comments on a new statue in honor of Alla Pugacheva Ulitsa Zemlyanoi Val. The monument was erected in honor of the Russian diva's birthday. (9,Kommersant,7,Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 2,Komsomolskaya Pravda, 1,2)

Police have arrested Arbak Khachatryan, an advisor to obudsman Oleg Mironov. Khachatryan is accused of taking out $120,000 of Russia illegally. A story comments on the case. (10)

On Tuesday the Saratov Regional Court sentenced writer and National Bolshevik Party leader Eduard Limonov to 4 years in prison for ordering the purchase of sic Kalashnikov assault rifles. Associates of Limonov were also sentenced to 2 and 3 years. A story comments on the ruling. (10,Kommersant, 4, Rossiiskaya Gazeta, 1,4, Gazeta, 1,6, Vremya Novostei, 1,2, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 7, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 4, MK, 2)

Kommersant
www.kommersant.ru

A story comments on the major provisions of a government decree concerning proposals for the management of Russia's Pension Fund. Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov is expected to sign the document before the end of this week. (1,14)

On Tuesday the State Duma's Defense Committee submitted amendments to an existing law on education. The Committee intends to re-establish military training in the secondary schools. A story looks at several of the proposed amendments. (8)

The United States has promised that Saddam Hussein's estimated $6 billion hidden in bank accounts all over the world belonging to would be redistributed among the Iraqi people. (9)

Mosenka, the Russian branch of Turkey's Enka company, is in negotiations to become the first tenant in the Moskva-City office development. An agreement is expected to be reached in May. (13, 16)

A story comments on the broad changes implemented in the Kristall distillary's distribution system. Top selling brand Gzhelka will now be distributed by Gross Group, which is close to former head of Rosspirtprom Sergei Zivenko. Kristall-Lefortovo will distributed Kristall's remaining vodka brands, including Privet, Zolotoye Koltso, Posolskaya, Staraya Moskva and Prazdnichnaya. A story comments on the changes. (13)

On Tuesday the Wall Street Journal reported that the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) is preparing to sell the American Stock Exchange. A story looks at several potential buyers. (14)

A story reports on why Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov is opposed to a new municipal initiative to support and strengthen the capital's industrial enterprises. The initiative was discussed at a municipal government session Tuesday. (14)

A story examines a plan to transform the RTS exchange from a non-commercial partnership into a joint stock company. The change over is expected to happen by October 2003. (14)

The Intel Capital investment fund has launched operation in Moscow. A story describes its capital. (17)

Vedomosti
www.vedomosti.ru

The price of Surgutneftegaz stock has increased by 15 percent in one week, worrying the company's general director Vladimir Bogdanov. On Tuesday Bogdanov met with shareholders, sending shares skyrocketing by another 5 percent. (A1)

Aeroflot and its foreign consultants have failed to come up with a new company logo to replace its Soviet-era hammer and sickle. (A1)

IKEA's plans to build a center near Kutuzovsky Prospekt will not materialize. To IKEA's surprise, the Kremlin Property Department, which controls the land, has revoked its invitation to IKEA to develop the property. (A1)

Industrial production in the United States fell by 0.5 percent in March, in spite of analysts' predictions of a 0.2 percent fall. Brief. (A1)

According to Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Russia and the European Union have agreed to create a working group to handle the transition to a visa-free regime. Brief. (A1)

The Moscow government no longer owns minority stakes in TNT, NTV-Plus, 7 Dnei and Ekho Moskvy. An article describes what the city will receive from its business relationship with former oligarch Vladimir Gusinsky. (A2)

Senators and state officials have considered how to protect religious organizations from having the land under their buildings bought up. The Federation Council plans to submit to the State Duma amendments to the Land Code that will allow religious organizations to use the land at no cost. (A2)

The small business association OPOR has selected nine candidates for the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs' arbitration tribunal. Small business representatives, however, do not believe such a court to be effective. (A2)

The Anti-Monopoly Ministry would like to significantly increase the size of fines for companies that violate anti-monopoly legislation. Business and deputies doubt, however, that Ilya Yuzhanov's ministry will be able to implement the necessary amendments. (A3)

Eight states in Central and Eastern Europe are expected to be admitted to the European Union. An article looks at three basic models outlining the EU's future relationship with neighboring states. (A4)

Does Sberbank need state support? Four experts share their opinions. (A4)

The M Video chain of electronics stores plans to close two stores on Nikolskaya and Avtozavodskaya streets. It has already closed two stores on Petrovka and Novoslobodskaya streets. (A7)

Vedomosti. Companies and Markets& MARKETS SUPPLEMENT

Russky Standart Bank, a pioneer and leader in consumer credit, has sustained its first loss: The network of Technosila stores has refused to cooperate with the bank. Now express credit in the Technosila stores is issued by Technopolis Bank, which a year ago was bought by the Czech Home Credit Finance A.S. (B1)

Deutsche Telekom's five- percent share in Mobile TeleSystems was placed on the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday. The German telecommunications giant intends to resolve part of its debts with the move. (B1)

Corporations worldwide lost billions of dollars due to a decline in the global economy in 2002. An article examines how the economic downturn affected some of these companies. (B1)

Vneshtorgbank has bought a 100 percent stake in Press for $40.5 million. Brief. (B1)

Only five out of the initial nine companies are still in the running for a 35 percent stake in Greece's state-run corporation DEPA. Brief. (B1)

The price of palladium has fallen to $169.3 per ounce. An article examines the situation on the domestic palladium market. (B2)

The Tyumen Oil Company (TNK) hopes to hold onto its place on Ukraine's aviation fuel market. The TNK-Ukraina company plans to launch a joint venture with Ukrainian aviation fuel operators in order to fuel up planes at the country's largest airports. (B3)

Nezavisimaya Gazeta
www.ng.ru

Chief Treasurer Tatyana Nesterenko has been offered the post of deputy prime minister. A story cites her excellent work as the reson why she was offered the post. (1,2)

On Wednesday the Mass Media Industry Committee and Deputy Press Minister Mikhail Seslavinsky are expected to consider and endorse a draft bill concerning mass media. A top-ranking government official said that if the draft is submitted to the State Duma before mid-May, it will soften the Central Election Commission's initiative to impose stricter rules of election campaign covergae. A story examines the draft's major provisions. (1,2)

According to official sources, federal troops in Chechnya were involved in 300 cases of abduction, which partially confirms accusations made by European newspapers Le Monde and Liberacion. A story reports on how Chechen administration reacted to the articles. (1,2)

Nezavisimaya Gazeta sites a report made by Acting Chechen Prosecutor Vladimir Kravchenko to account for the behaviour of federal troops in Chechya. (2)

On Wednesday LUKoil's board of directors is expected to discuss a 10-year development plan for the company. A story examines the draft, saying that over the next decade LUKoil expects to increase oil extraction by 40 percent and to double the number of filling stations in Russia and Europe. (3)

Rossiiskaya Gazeta
www.rg.ru

In an interview, Viktor Cherkesov, newly appointed head of the recently created State Committee for the Control of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances, speaks about the tough measures he intends to implement to crack down on drug addiction. (1, 6)

While speaking with representatives from the Culture Ministry, Irina Antonova, director of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, announced a major renovation project at her museum. The project is to be completed by 2012. A story looks at its stages. (2)

Ukranian President Leonid Kuchma delivered his state of the nation address to the parliament Tuesday. Kuchma announced that he will not run for a third term in office, and also said that he hopes to strengthen ties with both the United States and the European Union. (5)

Argumenty i Fakty
www.aif.ru

A story comments on the success of the U.S.-led military operation in Iraq, and adds that U.S. forces could, over the next several months, conduct similar operations in Syria and Lebanon. (2)

In an interview, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Alexander Vershbow explains how the crisis over Iraq has affected relations between the United States and Russian. When asked whether President George W. Bush will attend St. Petersburg 300th anniversary festivities, Vershbow said the president has not changed his plans to visit the northern capital. (3)

Argumenty i Fakty speculates on what President Vladimir Putin is likely to announce in his upcoming state of the nation address to Parliament. (4)

In an interview, Dmitry Kozak, deputy head of the Kremlin administration, explains how local government reform will change the relationship between the federal authorities and the regions. If this bill drafted by his commission becomes law, then all cities will become municipal formations. (1,6)

Komsomolskaya Pravda
www.kp.ru

Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov's press secretary Tatyana Razbash said the government will discuss proposals on May 15 to abolish several state departments. A story looks at the reaction of the State Fishery Committee, which is likely to find itsself first on the chopping block. (2)

Seven policymakers, deputies and public figures give their predictions on what country to be targeted of the U.S. miltary machine. (3)

A story describes how former Moscow auto giant Moskvich, with a workforce exceeding 3,000 people, has degraded into a structure with equipment standing idle, without heating and electricity, with only one watchman on duty. (6)

The Vykhino-Zhulebino Housing Administration on Saturday held a meeting to solve the district's urgent traffic problems. Mayor Yury Luzhkov, who attended the meeting, helped resolve the most controversial issues. A story examines some of them. (7)

In an interview, Valery Smirnov, chief of the Belov Customs checkpoint in Kemerovo, speaks about his agency's latest achievements and serious problems. He believes that his city deserves a better future. (7)

Critic, writer and former Editor-In-Chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda Boris Pankin has written a book on the Swedish model of economic development. In the early 20th century Sweden looked economically like Russia today. However, since then Sweden has managed to reach very high living standards. In an interview, the author of the book compares contemporary Russia and Sweden of one hundred years ago. (8,9)

In an interview, political scientist Alexander Dugin asserts that should President Putin affiliate himself with the United Russia Party, his popularity will undoubtedly decrease. (12)

On April 18 and May 18 the Russian capital will mark the Days of Moscow's Cultural Heritage. Komsomolskaya Pravda has published a list of city museums that will offer free entry in honor of the occasion. (19)

Moskovsky Komsomolets
www.mk.ru

Moscow Duma deputies reacted indignantly to an invitation from St. Petersburg's Legislative Assembly to attend the city's 300th anniversary celebration, after the Moscow deputies learned that they would have to pay all expenses from their own pockets. (1)

In an interview, Moscow police chief Vladimir Pronin describes the initiatives he has implemented since taking over the city's police force two years ago. Pronin also mentions the most common complaints Muscovites make to police and how he plans to reform the Moscow Interior Department. (1,3)

Siamese twins Masha and Dasha Krivoshlyapovas died of a heart attack Monday at Moscow City Hospital Number 1 at the age of 53. More than once they tried to commit suicide because they could no longer tolerate people's insults, humiliation and mockery. A story looks at several episodes from their life. (1,5)

On May 9 last year, Victory Day, the Moscow government provided all Moscow war veterans with food baskets costing 515 rubles. This time no vodka will be given to them, since war veterans themselves refused the strong beverage. A story looks at what is going to be in this year's holiday baskets. (1)

The Health Ministry has endorsed a provision defining the moment of human death and suspending intensive therapy. A story says what specialists now consider to be the moment of human death. (1)

Total debt owed to Unified Energy Systems now amounts to 92.6 billion rubles. Therefore, UES intends to limit electricity and heat to customers who have yet to pay their electricty bills. (2)

All education administrations throughout Russia will receive a joint order today from the Education and the Emergency Situations ministries, warning that local fire services will close any educational establishment if they see the slightest violation of fire regulations. A story comments on the order. (2)

On Wednesday the Moscow Arbitration Court is expected to rule on the future of the TVS television channel. A story speculates on the outcome of the ruling. (2)

A story cites President Putin's promises to pensioners to increase their pensions, but the reality remains very sad so far. Several figures are given to illustrate the point. (4)