Russia now a full-fledged participant in G-8 finance ministers' sessions

Russia is becoming a full-fledged participant in sessions of G-8 foreign ministers, Russian Vice-Premier and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin told the press upon arrival to Washington.

Alexei Kudrin is staying in the US capital to take part in an autumn session of managing bodies of the International Monetary Fund /IMF/ and World Bank /WB/ and in a meeting between G-8 foreign ministers.

The Russian Foreign Minister stressed that this year the first step towards extending the format of G-8 foreign ministers' meetings was being made. He added that the Russian side was taking part in discussing issues of assistance to the poorest countries and development problems. This is brand new, he said, since "now Russia does not have to make a review of its economy." "Russia is getting on fine, and it's recognised. Taking into account our participation, it is no longer necessary to hear a special report on Russia," the Vice-Premier said.

Alexei Kudrin confirmed that the Russian side would take part in the discussion of the fight against financial feeding of terrorism. In this context he recalled that on Friday the lower house of Russia's parliament approved amendments to the law on money laundering which authorises extra measures in fighting terrorism, including the possibility of blocking and freezing their accounts on suspicion before a criminal case is launched.

The Russian Vice-Premier announced that while staying in Washington he would have bilateral meetings with the US Treasury Secretary and the French Finance Minister.