Mikhail Kasyanov: Economic development ministry poorly prepared for gas sector reforms

The question of reforming the gas sector has been taken from the government's agenda for the time being, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov while opening a session of government ministers. He added that this was done at the request of Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref and Energy Minister Igor Yusufov. Kasyanov pointed out the 'low level of preparation of material' by departments and added that the question would be reviewed later.

Kasyanov also expressed his dissatisfaction with housing reform. At the session he said that the housing reform program was confirmed back in November 2001, however, since then 'very little' has been done. He also said that the question of reforming the gas sector should have been reviewed at a session of government ministers in December 2002, however it was taken from the agenda a few hours before the session began.