Russian Representative Appointed General Secretary Of The Eurasian Economic Community

Russian representative Gennady Rapota has been appointed general secretary of the Eurasian Economic Community, which unites Russia, Byelorussia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia and Tajikistan. This was reported at the international conference "The Eurasian Spirit as the Future of Russia: Dialog of Cultures and Civilizations", reports the RIA Novosti correspondent. The documents on Rapota's appointment as the general secretary of the Eurasian Economic Community were signed by the presidents of the five countries on October 29. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Rapota said that he intended to deal with the preparation of the next meeting of the integration committee - the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Community - to be held in Moscow in November, as well as of the Community's highest body - the interstate council, due early in 2002. In his words, the agenda of the session of the integration committee includes over 30 items, mainly organizational. The session will also examine issues related to the creation of a common economic environment and the legal formalization of the Eurasian Economic Community. Asked whether the Community will be given the status of an organization at the UN, Rapota answered in the affirmative, saying that this issue is being examined now.