Special enterprise in Saratov region eliminates 700kg of yperite daily

The first Russian Enterprise for the Chemical Arms Disposal eliminates approximately 700kg of yperite daily, General Director of Russian Arms Agency /RAB/ Zinovy Pak disclosed on Monday. The enterprise opened on December 19th in the Gorny village of Saratov region /the Volga Federal District/.

Since the beginning of the enterprise work 2,4 metric tons of yperite have been legally eliminated, the Russian representative said. According to him, the putting of the enterprise into operation is the obvious proof that Russia fulfils its international obligations. In accordance with the obligations, before April 29, 2003 Russia is supposed to eliminate 400 metric tons of chemical toxic agents - 1% of the overall Russian stock of chemical arms.

It is planned in the couple of years to complete the construction of the enterprise for the chemical arms disposal in the Kurgan region (South Urals) and to build another facility of this type in Udmurtia, one of the republics in the Volga region.

The detoxification of chemical arms is being carried out without any risk for the environment and people, the Head of the Russian Arms Agency stressed.