Putin gives instructions to Far East authorities

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had been on a visit to the Primorskyregion, gave a number of instructions to local authorities, regionalgovernor Sergey Darkin reported at a press conference today. For example,they were assigned to expand transportation connections, to protect landsin the region from purchase by foreigners, to increase control over thefish industry of the Primorsky region and to render aid to federalauthorities regarding implementation the ecologic program.According to the governor, the regional administration will solve the mostimportant ecologic issues this year. For example, it is planned to increasethe capacity of sewage works of Vladivostok by 25 percent. Additionally,Darkin reported that Putin's orders aimed at creating favorable conditionsfor the residents of the region, were being fulfilled..