Moscow's Mayor Will not Try and Make Siberian Rivers Flow Backwards

As Yuri Luzhkov, the Mayor of Moscow, said at a press conference, he will not try and make Siberian rivers flow backwards. 'Information that I have made such a ridiculous suggestion to President', he said, 'is wrong.'

Mr. Luzkov explained that his suggestion concerned using 5% to 7% of the flood waters of the Irtysh and Ob rivers, which could be sold to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. According to the Mayor, these countries are prepared to buy water. Mr. Luzhkov added that he had studied the data and concluded that this project was very advantageous for Russia and that, as a good citizen, he must inform President of this. 'I am convinced', he concluded, 'that my suggestion will be accepted. Especially considering the fact that similar projects are already being carried out in France and China.'