Transition to service by contract to cost Russia $557m annually

15-20bn rubles (about $557m) are required annually to implement a federal task program and transit from conscription to service by contract in Russia, Deputy Defense Minister, General of Army Vladimir Isakov told reporters at a press conference in Moscow today. According to him, special working commissions are almost done with the analysis of activities of all military districts and fleets. On April 24, 2003 a drafted program based on the results of the analysis will be submitted to the government. The commissions came to the conclusion that a substantial amount of money was necessary for capital investments (building of houses, social and military facilities and for educational and financial purposes).